Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West and Capricornia Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:40 pm Sunday, 12 January 2025.

Severe thunderstorms about the central east.

Weather Situation: Unstable conditions east of a surface trough through central Queensland, aided by an upper disturbance moving through eastern Australia, will produce severe thunderstorms through central Queensland today.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, 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 Gladstone, Emerald, Clermont, Mackay, Proserpine, Charters Towers, Biloela, Blackwater, Moranbah, Hughenden, Richmond and Mount Morgan.

119 km/h wind gust observed at Hughenden at 3:52 pm

93 km/h wind gust observed at Blackwater at 3:56 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.