Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Gympie, Gold Coast, Redland City, Noosa, Brisbane City, Somerset, Scenic Rim, South Burnett and Moreton Bay Council Areas.

Issued at 6:51 pm Tuesday, 26 December 2023.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 6:45 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds, large, possibly giant hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding was detected near Goomeri and the area south of Biggenden. This thunderstorm is moving towards the southeast. It is forecast to affect the ranges between Gympie and Murgon, Kilkivan and the area east of Murgon by 7:15 pm and the area southwest of Gympie and the area north of Kilkivan by 7:45 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce large hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near the area northwest of Noosa Heads, Lake Cootharaba, northern Moreton Bay and Little Nerang Dam. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Coolangatta, Cleveland and the area north of Noosa Heads by 7:15 pm and Dunwich and Amity Point by 7:45 pm.

100 km/h wind gust recorded at Gympie at 2:34 pm.

Large hail observed at Zillmere, estimated around 3.5 cm.

85 mm of rainfall recorded in the 2 hours to 6:30 pm at Brisbane City.

83 mm of rainfall recorded in the 2 hours to 6:30 pm at Camp Hill Alert.

82 mm of rainfall recorded in the 2 hours to 6:30 pm at East Brisbane.

62 mm of rainfall recorded in the 1 hour to 4:30 pm at Jindalee Alert.

60 mm of rainfall recorded in the 1 hour to 4:30 pm at Pullenvale Alert.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Pack away, secure or tie down outdoor furniture, toys and trampolines if it s safe to do so.
* Stay away from windows if there is giant hail.
* 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.