Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Southeast Coast and Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:44 pm Saturday, 23 December 2023.

Severe thunderstorms continuing to develop across eastern Queensland.

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

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging wind gusts, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt and Southeast Coast districts. Locations which may be affected include Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Moranbah, Marlborough, Esk and Gatton.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Herbert and Lower Burdekin and Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders districts. Locations which may be affected include Ingham, Cardwell, Rollingstone and Abergowrie.

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.