Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 1:38 pm Saturday, 17 January 2026.

Severe thunderstorms developing over parts of the eastern Darling Downs this afternoon.

Weather Situation: Very warm and humid onshore flow is combining with a trough of low pressure to produce severe thunderstorms over parts of southeast Queensland today.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging wind gusts in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Toowoomba, Dalby, Kingaroy, Stanthorpe and Tara.

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.