Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:52 pm Thursday, 11 January 2024.

Severe thunderstorms occurring over the southwestern interior, and about Hungerford.

Weather Situation: A warm and unstable airmass is linking up with a trough to produce a few severe thunderstorms this afternoon.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Windorah, Hungerford, Mt Howitt Station, Jundah and Barringun.

94 km/h wind gust recorded at Ballera at 4:46 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.