Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:57 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026.

Heavy rainfall in the northern Darling Downs

A very moist environment is combining with a surface trough and upper level instability to produce heavy rainfall and possible large hail through parts of the Darling Downs this evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and possible large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours.

54mm was recorded at Barakula Forest in the 30min to 5:10 pm.

47mm was recorded at Canaan Creek n the 30min to 5:10 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.