Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 2:41 pm Thursday, 21 December 2023.

Severe thunderstorms have developed over inland parts of the southeast and the interior.

Weather Situation: Slow moving severe thunderstorms have developed along a trough in a very humid airmass through inland parts of southeast Queensland this afternoon 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 over the next several hours in parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Southeast Coast and Maranoa and Warrego districts. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Toowoomba, Dalby, Beaudesert, Gatton and Laidley.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central West district. Locations which may be affected include Barcaldine and Aramac.

79.0 mm was recorded in 1 hour to 12:09 pm at Upper Bracker Creek (West of Stanthorpe).

43.0 mm was recorded in 1 hour to 12:40 pm at Dalcouth

44.0 mm was recorded in 30 minutes to 2:38 pm at Millbrook

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.