Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Sunshine Coast and parts of Gympie, Somerset, Western Downs, Moreton Bay, South Burnett and Noosa Council Areas.

Issued at 10:57 am Saturday, 30 December 2023.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 10:50 am, 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. The thunderstorm is moving towards the northeast. The severe thunderstorm is forecast to affect Jandowae by 11:20 am and the ranges north of Jandowae by 11:50 am.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones were detected near Jimna and Conondale. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Maroochydore, Caloundra and waters off Caloundra by 11:20 am and waters off Maroochydore, the area south of Noosa Heads and Eumundi by 11:50 am.

Wamuran recorded 66mm in 1 hour to 9:19 am

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.