Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Channel Country and Maranoa and Warrego Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:45 pm Sunday, 4 February 2024.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WINDS ABOUT THE SOUTHWEST DURING SUNDAY AND MONDAY.

Weather situation: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is currently located to the northwest of Birdsville, near the Northern Territory border. The system is moving south-southeast and is expected to pick up speed and obtain a more southeasterly track later this evening and into Monday. The system is expected to clear Queensland during Monday evening.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected in western parts of the Channel Country district during Sunday and into Monday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely, with 24-hourly totals between 70 and 120 mm likely.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible, particularly on the southern flank of the low. Isolated six-hourly totals between 80 and 120 mm are possible with 24-hourly totals around 150 mm possible. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS with INTENSE RAINFALL are detected.

DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible about the eastern Channel Country and the far western Maranoa & Warrego district during Monday, easing during the afternoon.

Conditions are expected to ease during Monday evening.

A Flood Watch and several Flood Warnings are also current for the Channel Country catchments. See http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Thargomindah, Bulloo Downs, Nappa Merrie, Mt Howitt Station, Orientos, Ballera, Morney and Durrie.
Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* 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.