100,000 properties without power in Australia after severe storms

More than 100,000 properties were left without power on Monday evening in Australia's eastern state of Queensland after more severe storms hit the area, reported Xinhua, quoting local media.

South East Queensland was pounded by more severe storms, with the Gold Coast, Scenic Rim and Logan areas copping the brunt of the storms, according to local newspaper The Courier-Mail.

Emergency services were kept busy with fallen trees and powerlines, with more than 100,000 properties left without electricity, the report said.

The State Emergency Service (SES) received more than 120 call-outs, most relating to trees fallen onto houses.

Prior to the storms, the southeastern part of the state enjoyed a fine, hot and sunny Christmas Day.

There had been fears that Sunday's severe weather and power outages would be repeated on Monday, spoiling Christmas celebrations, but the storms held off till evening.

The Australian ABC News broadcaster reported on Saturday that violent thunderstorms would likely hit eastern Australia during this year's Christmas period due to an unusual weather pattern.

The spell of explosive thunderstorms would occur because polar air escaping from Antarctica was expected to drift directly over southeastern states from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, or from Sunday to Tuesday, the report said.