Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Somerset, Western Downs, Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley and South Burnett Council Areas.

Issued at 5:42 pm Thursday, 18 January 2024.

Heavy rainfall near Crows Nest, spreading east.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:30 pm, severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Dalby and Crows Nest. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Gatton, Esk and the area northeast of Dalby by 6:00 pm and the area west of Kilcoy, Moore and Linville by 6:30 pm.

Dalby recorded 52mm in 1 hour to 5:27pm.

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.