As New York suffers through an insane snow storm, you would think us Aussies are enjoying balmy evenings and sun-filled days.
Unfortunately, Queensland didn't get the memo.
On Wednesday, the state was pounded by heavy rain which resulted in severe flooding.
Another angle on those floating cars at Bowen Hills. By Chris McCormack #bnestorm #seqstorms #brisbanestorm pic.twitter.com/7DJAcH7Spy— Chris Bartlett (@bartman6) November 19, 2014
Wind gusts of more than 110 kilometres per hour caused havoc as 16,000 lightning strikes were recorded and 25,000 homes were left in the dark, according to Energex.
Approx. 16,000 #lightning strikes in yesterday's #BrisbaneStorm. Here's what it looked like http://t.co/WMTK2Tc6yV pic.twitter.com/QscO9XxVEA— Landgate (@Landgate) November 20, 2014
The capital city, Brisbane, became a real-life water park, with 100 millimetres of rain falling in less than an hour in some areas on Wednesday afternoon.
Summer storms are here!! #summer #storms #moreimpactthang20 A video posted by BRISBANE'S INSTAGRAMER (@brisgramer) on Nov 11, 2014 at 10:40pm PST
One resident made the most of the disastrous conditions, taking to Brisbane Mall for a backstroke session.
Cars were swept down streets and shopping centres flooded, as impromptu waterfalls popped up across the CBD.
Mate of mine posted a video on Facebook of impromptu water feature at Post Office Square... #bnestorm pic.twitter.com/V9PzkBkzg2— Anne O'Keeffe (@Anne_OKeeffe) November 19, 2014
Can't believe the storm yesterday! #BNEstorm #brisbanestorm pic.twitter.com/M8lVE66Zyl— Steve (@StiofanC) November 19, 2014
Commuters struggled to get home as evening peak hour was disrupted by fallen trees, power lines and water over roads and train lines.
Brisbane Storms flood Subways.. Train lines down between the City and Northside of Brisbane. #abc24 #bnestorm pic.twitter.com/kh1ZiRmqGs— davidmwaugh_ (@davidmwaugh_) November 19, 2014
But some decided to give it a shot anyway.
Better photo of the road. Post-storm. Alexandria St, Bowen Hills #BNEstorm pic.twitter.com/D5wUwkikZp— Yolanda (@heylandy) November 19, 2014
In bad news, this is just the beginning of what is expected to be a week of storms and wild weather smashing the state.
Do you need furniture moved? Just kindly ask Mother Nature for some help #AUSTRALIA #queensland #brisbane #storms #bnestorm A photo posted by Theycallher Spanish (@i.am.the.nights.child) on Nov 11, 2014 at 5:56am PST