by Mat Churchill

The storm which visited our area in the early hours of yesterday morning jolted many residents (and no doubt the odd tourist) from their restful sleep, and when it came, it came with the thunder.

The transmission tower on Flagstaff Hill was hit by lightning, causing damage which put a halt to Radio Port Douglas operations, and (some may say thankfully) morning television, although mobile reception appeared to be unaffected.

Kim Hurley from Radio Port Douglas said the team was in limbo until the tower problems were fixed.

"The whole tower got hit by lightning and it was fried. Technicians from the Council were called in to fix it. It has never happened before as far as I know," she said.

Technicians worked at site all day from 7am yesterday morning to restore power.

A spokesperson from Cairns Regional Council gave a report on the situation.

"It appears damage was isolated to the phone lines and the lines bringing power  into the communication building. TV services, radio and any services not provided with additional battery backup power were out for the majority of  the day.

"Damage costs can't be calculated at this stage. It appears, however that the earthing systems put in place on both the tower and in the communication building have successfully prevented damage to the communication equipment housed on site.

"It is important to realise that whilst measures are put in place to prevent damage to infrastructure and equipment from lightning strikes and the generator is in place to provide emergency power, that lightning strikes can cause considerable damage that is not preventable or predictable."  

Wonga was believed to be one of the hardest hit areas where torrential rain fell and a memorable thunder and lightning show was on display.

Wonga resident Ryan Hemming, who has lived in the region for 12 years, said it was the one of the biggest storms he had experienced.

"There was so much noise and rain. I've never heard anything like it. It was insane!"

"You could feel the ground shake under your feet. It was like sitting next to a speaker with some really hardcore bass," he said.

Port Douglas recorded 50mm of rain during the 24 hour period, and reports as high as 90mm have been received in the Daintree region.

Do you have any photos or footage of the storm? Send it to us at editor@thenewsport.com.au.