Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Maranoa and Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Peninsula and Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:47 pm Wednesday, 17 January 2024.
Severe thunderstorms continuing about the southern interior and about areas inland from Cairns.

Weather Situation: A trough low pressure and a humid airmass over the southern inland and low level convergence and a very moist airmass in the tropics is generating severe thunderstorms.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Maranoa and Warrego and Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts. Locations which may be affected include Cunnamulla, St George, Bollon, Dirranbandi, Hebel and Mungindi.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Peninsula and Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders districts. Locations which may be affected include Mareeba, Atherton, Millaa Millaa, Ravenshoe, Julatten and Mount Garnet.
Mt Kanigan recorded 86.6 mm in the 2 hours to 1.52 pm.
Wild River recorded 57.0 mm in the 1 hour to 3.39 pm.

Emergency services advise people to:
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.