Clean-Up From Kirrily Begins Following ‘Tense’ Evening

The clean-up from ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily has begun in north Queensland after the weather system was downgraded to a tropical low. Damaging winds and rainfall totals from 100-150mm hit regions on Thursday evening, Jan. 25, but minimal property damage was recorded. Authorities have now begun the process of restoring power to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. About 100 Ergon Energy workers were on the ground conducting damage assessments, with a further 600 headed to Townsville over the weekend. “They’re mobilising from across the state,” Ergon’s cyclone response leader Chris Hooper said. Vegetation and trees on powerlines must be cleared before crews can assess the full extent of the damage to the grid....