Residents have been warned to brace for damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rain with a severe weather warning for parts of southeast Queensland.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning on Tuesday afternoon, with people in parts of Ipswich, Logan, Somerset, Scenic Rim, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Redland City, Brisbane City and Western Downs Council Areas expected to experience damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall.
The alert also warned of heavy rainfall for areas west of Toowoomba, while hail and damaging wind gusts are also expected for other parts of the state.
“The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2.40 pm, severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Beenleigh, Logan Central, Tipton, Lowood and Rathdowney,” the alert stated.
“These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Macleay Island, Victoria Point and Fernvale by 3.10 pm and Dunwich, Lake Manchester and Mount Nebo by 3.40 pm.”
Affected residents have been urged to park cars undercover and away from trees, close doors and windows, charge mobile phones and power banks, and keep asthma medication nearby.
People have also been encouraged to keep pets in safe areas, and warned not to drive unless “you have to because conditions are dangerous”.
“Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed,” the warning added.
A general severe thunderstorm warning has also been issued for the Southeast Coast and parts of the Wide Bay, Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts.
More to come