Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Wide Bay and Burnett and parts of Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Capricornia, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Southeast Coast and Central Coast and Whitsundays Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:34 pm Sunday, 24 December 2023.

Severe thunderstorms developing about the northeastern interior west of Charters Towers.

Weather Situation: A strong upper trough moving over southern parts of the state is promoting severe thunderstorms across a broad area of southeastern and eastern Queensland.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Maroochydore, Gympie, Emerald, Charters Towers, Kingaroy and Nanango.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Maranoa and Warrego district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

30mm was recorded at Gambubal in 30min to 10:30am.

35mm was recorded at Sandy Creek Road in 30min to 10:45am.

9cm hail recorded at Burpengary.

8cm hail recorded at Dayboro around 11:50am.

58mm of rainfall in 30 minutes at Wivenhoe Dam.

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.