Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Somerset, South Burnett, Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley Council Areas.

Issued at 2:00 pm Wednesday, 18 December 2024.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 1:55 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 north of Toowoomba. This thunderstorm is moving towards the north. It is forecast to affect Murphy's Creek by 2:25 pm and Crows Nest, Hampton and Haden by 2:55 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected. Thunderstorms are moving towards the north to northeast. They are forecast to affect Hatton Vale by 2:25 pm and Nanango by 2:55 pm.

67 mm of rainfall recorded at Moodlu in the 1 hour to 1:06 pm.

54 mm of rainfall recorded at Upper Freestone in the 1 hour to 1:23 pm.

49 mm of rainfall recorded at Romani in the 30 minutes to 1:35 pm.

45 mm of rainfall recorded at Toowoomba in the 30 minutes to 1:54 pm.

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.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.