TROPICAL DOWNPOURS Act with caution in bad weather

ABOUT 35,000 lightning strikes were recorded within a 100km radius of Ergon Energy’s Cairns depot yesterday morning.

Ergon crews were ready to inspect the network for faults, do emergency repairs and restore power as soon as the bank of thunderstorms dissipated about midmorning.

“Lightning strikes can trigger the network protection system, which works like the safety switch in your home,” an Ergon Energy spokeswoman said.

“If there’s no damage, we can reclose circuit breakers to restore power, but if there is damage, crews will need to find it and fix it before power can be safely restored. We ask for the community’s patience.

“Storms increase the risk of fallen powerlines, which can be brought down by tree branches and other debris.

“If you see fallen powerlines, stay well away, warn others in the area and report this life-threatening hazard to emergency services on triple-0 or call Ergon on 13 16 70.”

Trouble can also brew on the water during storms.

Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland Cairns co-ordinator Peter Graham said boaties should carry an EPIRB.

“And they have to check the weather. Often they leave it too late, they see the weather could turn bad but they think it won’t hit them,” he said.

“The coastguard in Cairns broadcasts the weather three or four times a day and it’s well worth tuning in at those times.

“Some rescues are completely avoidable.

“If you have nothing else on your boat, have that beacon and someone will be with you very quickly.

“It doesn’t even have to be an emergency – if you’re stuck up that creek and no one is going to be up there for a week, and you’ve told someone you’ll be home by 5pm, it will avoid an expensive search and no one is going to get into trouble.”