Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 2:35 pm Thursday, 4 April 2024.

Thunderstorms causing heavy rainfall continue along a trough from the Central West to the Darling Downs.

Weather Situation: A very moist airmass is combining with a near stationary trough extending from the Central West southeastwards to the western Darling Downs. Clusters of slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms have developed along the trough and are expected to continue throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Goondiwindi, Barcaldine and Mitchell.

117.8 mm was recorded in the 6 hours to 1:58 pm at Surrey.

79.6 mm was recorded in the 6 hours to 1:36 pm at Arden Downs

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.