Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Ipswich, Logan, Scenic Rim, Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley and Gold Coast Council Areas.

Issued at 3:33 pm Thursday, 21 December 2023.

INTENSE RAINFALL IS OCCURRING IN SLOW MOVING THUNDERSTORMS NEAR TOOWOOMBA.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:25 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding was detected near Toowoomba and the area northwest of Toowoomba. This thunderstorm is slow moving. It is forecast to affect the area north of Toowoomba and the area south of Helidon by 3:55 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding were detected near the McPherson Range and the area south of the NSW border. These thunderstorms are slow moving. They are forecast to affect Harrisville and Peak Crossing by 3:55 pm and the area between Boonah and Beaudesert, Mulgowie and Grandchester by 4:25 pm.

73.0 mm was recorded in 1 hour to 3:00 pm at Gormans Gap (south of Toowoomba).

44.0 mm was recorded in 30 minutes to 2:38 pm at Millbrook

43.0 mm was recorded in 1 hour to 12:40 pm at Dalcouth

79.0 mm was recorded in 1 hour to 12:09 pm at Upper Bracker Creek (west of Stanthorpe).

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* 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.