Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Darling Downs and Granite Belt and parts of Central Highlands and Coalfields, Maranoa and Warrego and Southeast Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:27 pm Thursday, 18 January 2024.

Severe thunderstorms developing across parts of southern Queensland.

Weather situation: A trough is moving over southern Queensland with a very moist tropical airmass in place. Thunderstorms have formed this afternoon and should continue to develop and spread further east throughout the day.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Toowoomba, Dalby, Roma, Charleville, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi.

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.