Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West and Capricornia Forecast Districts.

Issued at 8:21 pm Tuesday, 14 January 2025.

DANGEROUS STORM WITH POSSIBLE GIANT HAIL AND DESTRUCTIVE WINDS APPROACHING BLACKWATER AND THE AREA EAST OF EMERALD.

Weather Situation: A moist and unstable airmass lies through eastern parts of the state and is supported by an upper trough, which will aid in the development of severe thunderstorm activity. Severe thunderstorms are likely to continue for the next couple of hours before beginning to ease by the late evening.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds, large, possibly giant hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields and Capricornia districts. Locations which may be affected include Blackwater.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West and Capricornia districts. Locations which may be affected include Rockhampton, Clermont, Blackwater, Yeppoon, Moranbah, Baralaba, Marlborough, Byfield and Mount Morgan.

107 km/h wind gust was recorded at Yeppoon at 8:03 pm.

6 to 8 cm hail was reported around Stanthorpe between 6:00 and 6:30 pm.

46.0 mm was recorded at Sutties Creek in the 30 minutes to 4:21 pm.

58.0 mm was recorded at Emerald Crest (near Mareeba) in the 60 minutes to 3:22 pm.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Pack away, secure or tie down outdoor furniture, toys and trampolines if it s safe to do so.
* Stay away from windows if there is giant hail.
* 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.