Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Southeast Coast and parts of Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Maranoa and Warrego and Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:07 pm Tuesday, 26 December 2023.

Severe thunderstorms occurring across various parts of the state.

Weather Situation: Thunderstorms developing to the east of a trough across eastern Queensland with favourable moisture and instability present. Broad support from an upper trough traversing across southern Queensland will enhance the risks of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

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 Toowoomba, Brisbane, Maroochydore, Gympie, Kingaroy and Ipswich.

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.