Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:19 pm Saturday, 23 December 2023.

DESTRUCTIVE WINDS AND GIANT HAIL OCCURRING IN THE SOUTHEAST.

Weather Situation: A warm and unstable airmass over southeast Queensland is leading to the development of severe thunderstorms this evening. An approaching upper jet is likely to see these thunderstorms continue overnight, possibly remaining severe as they move to the east.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds, large, possibly giant hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Southeast Coast district. Locations which may be affected include Brisbane, Ipswich, Cleveland, Gatton, Jimboomba and Redcliffe.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large, possibly giant hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia and Wide Bay and Burnett districts. Locations which may be affected include Taroom, Theodore and Moura.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Maranoa and Warrego and Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Pack away, secure or tie down outdoor furniture, toys and trampolines if it s safe to do so.
* Stay away from windows if there is giant hail.
* 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.