Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:36 pm Thursday, 21 December 2023.

INTENSE RAINFALL IN SLOW MOVING STORMS NEAR MARBURG AND BLACKBUTT.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:30 pm, VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding were detected near Marburg and Blackbutt. These thunderstorms are slow moving. They are forecast to affect Ipswich, the area south of Esk and the area southwest of Esk by 5:00 pm and Fernvale, Moore and Linville by 5:30 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near the area between Boonah and Beaudesert, Cooyar and southern Lake Wivenhoe. These thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast. They are forecast to affect Beaudesert, Redbank Plains and the D'Aguilar Ranges by 5:00 pm and Jimboomba, Wacol and Yarraman by 5:30 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.