Bureau of Meteorology forecast severe thunderstorms for Queensland’s southern inland region

The Bureau of Meteorology issued the severe thunderstorm alert at 4.30pm on Wednesday for the Southern Inland region, including Dalby, Bollon, Oakey, Injune, Glenorie, Pittsworth and Carnarvon Ranges.

“Heavy rainfall that may lead to localised flashing flooding is the main hazard,” the Bureau said.

One town – Glengarry in central Queensland – already recorded 45mm in 30 minutes to 2.15pm on Wednesday.

“Severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and damaging winds are possible in the southern interior and southwest, along with the Gulf and southern Peninsula with increased monsoon activity.

“Slow-moving showers and thunderstorms are developing this afternoon and evening within a moist air mass in the southern interior, bringing the risk of localised heavy falls.

“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.”

It comes as 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

The warning comes hours after the Bureau forecast falls of 200mm, gale force winds and flash flooding for the Far north and western Queensland communities.

The Bureau has also warned Tropical low 07U was expected to form in the western Gulf of Carpentaria later today.

The system is then expected to start moving to southwest on Friday, taking it over The Gulf coast later that day or early Saturday, where it will weaken.

A flood watch remains active for southern Gulf of Carpentaria catchments which remained saturated from recent rainfall.

Meanwhile, in Victoria, 4000 customers across western and central Victoria remain without power after a sever storm caused major damage on Tuesday.

Powercore crews will continue to repair damage in the coming days.