Emergency crews are on high alert this morning after volatile weather systems smashed the country's east. A major clean up is underway across parts of New South Wales following a freak storm yesterday, while residents in South East Queensland brace for another round of lightning and hail. #9News LATEST: https://nine.social/13io | 9 News

Forecasters reported winds up to 100 kph (62 mph) and over 800,000 lightning strikes, making it one of the most intense spring systems this season. More storms are expected today across Queensland and New South Wales. | Mothership

We now have a second angle on that incredible upward lightning that was captured in Dalby QLD last night. This one captured at full speed but we also added a slow-motion version. Video sent in by HSC follower Zane. Upward lightning is a discharge that travels from a tall object on the ground into the atmosphere, instead of the more common downward-moving lightning. It's often initiated when a nearby natural lightning strike significantly changes the electrical field, causing a "positive leader"