Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Ipswich, Scenic Rim, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley Council Areas.

Issued at 2:54 pm Thursday, 21 December 2023.

INTENSE RAINFALL IS OCCURRING IN SLOW MOVING THUNDERSTORMS NEAR TOOWOOMBA.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2:45 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding was detected near Toowoomba and the area south of Helidon. This thunderstorm is slow moving.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Boonah, the area northwest of Toowoomba, Haden, the area northwest of Cunninghams Gap and Clifton. These thunderstorms are slow moving. They are forecast to affect Allora by 3:15 pm and the area north of Toowoomba, Rosevale and Highfields by 3:45 pm.

69.0 mm was recorded in the 1 hour to 2:45 pm at Gormans Gap (south of Toowoomba)

79.0 mm was recorded in the 1 hour to 12:09 am at Upper Bracker Creek (west of Stanthorpe).

43.0 mm was recorded in the 1 hour to 12:40 pm at Dalcouth.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* 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.