Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Maranoa and Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt and Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:04 pm Friday, 23 October 2026.

Slow-moving storms with heavy falls possible over Central Queensland. Isolated severe thunderstorm with heavy rainfall and large hail west of Toowoomba.

Weather situation: Slow-moving thunderstorms are developing over broad parts of the state today, in a moist and unstable airmass.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Maranoa and Warrego and Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders districts. Locations which may be affected include Carnarvon National Park, Aberfoyle, Springsure, Bogantungan, Jericho and Mantuan Downs.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt district.

49 mm was recorded at Mt Playfair in the 60min to 4:00 pm.

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.