Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Wide Bay and Burnett Forecast District.

Issued at 3:17 pm Thursday, 16 January 2025.

Severe thunderstorms are moving through the Wide Bay and Burnett.

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 and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Rainbow Beach, Maryborough and Tiaro.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands and Southeast Coast districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

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.