Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:36 pm Thursday, 22 January 2026.

Severe thunderstorms with isolated damaging winds and heavy rainfall over the southern and western interior this evening.

Weather Situation: A moist and unstable airmass combines with a trough through the interior to produce severe thunderstorms this evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce isolated 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 Charleville, Emerald, Mount Isa, Blackall, Boulia and Carnarvon National Park.

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.