4000 without power in north Qld storms

More than 4000 properties are without power in north Queensland as Townsville and surrounds are lashed with heavy wind and rain.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the area on Tuesday, with potential for flash flooding.

Power was cut to more than 6000 properties at one point, but has since been restored to around 2000, an Ergon spokeswoman told AAP.