Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Ipswich, Logan, Scenic Rim, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Brisbane City, Somerset and Lockyer Valley Council Areas.

Issued at 2:11 pm Saturday, 16 December 2023.

INTENSE RAINFALL EXPECTED IN VERY DANGEROUS STORM WEST OF CALOUNDRA.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2:05 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds and intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding was detected near Maleny and Montville. This thunderstorm is moving towards the northeast. It is forecast to affect Maroochydore, Caloundra and waters off Caloundra by 2:35 pm and waters off Maroochydore, the area south of Noosa Heads and Coolum Beach by 3:05 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Ipswich, Marburg, the NSW border and Harrisville. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east to northeast. They are forecast to affect the McPherson Range, Peak Crossing and Lamington National Park by 2:35 pm and Wacol, Lake Manchester and Upper Brookfield by 3:05 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.
* 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.