The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:45 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce giant hailstones and destructive winds was detected near Strathpine and Redcliffe. This thunderstorm is moving towards the east. It is forecast to affect Brisbane CBD, Manly and Wynnum by 5:15 pm and Cleveland, Ormiston and Dunwich by 5:45 pm.
Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Coolangatta, the ranges south of Gayndah and the area northwest of Jimna. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east to northeast. They are forecast to affect Jimna, the area south of Esk and southern Lake Wivenhoe by 5:15 pm and Pomona, Mount Nebo and Highvale by 5:45 pm.
2 cm hail was reported at Elanora at around 4:10pm
3-4 cm hail was reported at Bardon and Ashgrove at around 3:30pm
2-3 cm hail was reported at Milton at 3:25pm
Safety advice
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.
A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Southeast Coast and parts of the Peninsula, Gulf Country, North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Maranoa and Warrego and Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
