Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Ipswich, Logan, Somerset, Scenic Rim, Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley and South Burnett Council Areas.

Issued at 4:07 pm Thursday, 21 December 2023.

INTENSE RAINFALL IN SLOW MOVING STORMS NEAR LAIDLEY AND GATTON.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:00 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding was detected near Laidley and Helidon. This thunderstorm is slow moving. It is forecast to affect Gatton and the area south of Amberley by 4:30 pm and Bundamba Lagoon, Rosewood and Hatton Vale by 5:00 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding were detected near the area northwest of Toowoomba, the area west of Toogoolawah and the NSW border. These thunderstorms are slow moving. They are forecast to affect Beaudesert, Toowoomba and Highfields by 4:30 pm and the area north of Toowoomba and the area south of Canungra by 5:00 pm.

59.0 mm was recorded in 30 minutes to 3:44 pm at Mt Petersen.

69.0 mm was recorded in 1 hour to 3:29 pm at Boonah

76.0 mm was recorded in 1 hour to 3:07 pm at Gormans Gap (south of Toowoomba).

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

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* 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.