Wild storms described as “cyclonic” have torn roofs off homes in Brisbane and left at least 63,000 properties still without power on Thursday morning.

The intense storms smashed the Queensland capital on Wednesday afternoon, with Energex recording 120,000 lightning strikes.

The ferocity of the weather surprised residents south of the CBD, which was worst hit area, especially around Logan and Regents Park.

A line of storms also wreaked havoc north of Brisbane around Gympie.

Energex said it was working round the clock to repair “extensive damage” to the electricity network which initially left 77,800 customers without power.

“Well over 400 powerlines have been brought down across southeast Qld, with 85 per cent of these in the hard-hit Logan and Scenic Rim areas,” said Energex.

“The culprits: 121,000 lightning strikes recorded since this afternoon and winds that clocked 125km/hr.”

Energex warned that thousands would remain without power well into Thursday.

“The impacts are particularly significant around Jimboomba and Logan Village, and we’ve had reports of similarly serious damage in the North Maclean/Kingston area.

“Localised flash flooding and fallen trees are hampering access into many suspected damage sites.”