Over 10,000 lightning strikes recorded in Australia

Parts of Australia's Queensland state on Tuesday were lashed by hail and over 10,000 lightning strikes as a severe thunderstorm hit the region, the media reported on Tuesday.

"The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed. However, thunderstorms are still occurring in the area with small hail," the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said in a statement.

More than 4,500 homes lost power, mostly in state capital Brisbane, when the severe storms hit the city and moved towards the coast.

Flights at Brisbane airport were delayed and there were reports of road accidents at Chermside, Greenslopes and Auchenflower.

Hail fell at Esk, north-west of Brisbane, and at Kurwongbah, Morayfield and a number of Brisbane suburbs.

BoM meterologist Kev Hutchins said more storms were building in western Queensland and moving toward the east.

Queensland fire and emergency services has advised residents to remain indoors till the storm subsides.