Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:21 pm Thursday, 16 January 2025.

Severe thunderstorms continuing through the southeast and North Tropical Coast.

Weather Situation: A warm and very unstable airmass is in place over southeast Queensland. A trough moving north through the southeast will combine with very strong winds aloft ahead of a potent upper trough system, providing an environment supportive of scattered severe thunderstorms today.

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 Wide Bay and Burnett and Southeast Coast districts. Locations which may be affected include Gold Coast, Gympie, Coolangatta, Cherbourg, Mount Tamborine and Springbrook.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands district. Locations which may be affected include Cairns, Mareeba, Atherton, Yarrabah, Gordonvale and Redlynch.

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.