URGENT UPDATE: South-east Queensland is bracing for severe thunderstorms and potential hail this afternoon, following a tumultuous night of storms that left over 3,200 properties without power. The latest warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) indicate that severe weather is developing west of Brisbane and moving eastward at a rapid pace.
Just after 6:00 PM on Friday, storms swept through Brisbane, depositing nearly 22 millimetres of rain within just two hours. As of 1:20 PM today, BOM officials confirm that thunderstorms are forecast to impact areas including Esk, southern Lake Wivenhoe, and regions west of Warwick by 1:50 PM, with further developments expected in Allora and northwestern Warwick by 2:20 PM.
BOM senior meteorologist Angus Hines warns that the area between the Sunshine Coast and Moree in New South Wales is particularly at risk. “We could see giant hailstones potentially measuring five centimetres or greater, along with destructive winds reaching speeds of 120 kilometres per hour or stronger,” Hines stated. The most severe impacts are anticipated from western Brisbane, across the Sunshine Coast, and into the Darling Downs.
Authorities urge residents to prepare for a challenging weekend, with significant weather impacts expected. Miriam Bradbury, another senior meteorologist at BOM, indicated that while storms will persist through the weekend, conditions are expected to improve thereafter. “By Monday, we anticipate showers and storms will still be possible in parts of southern Queensland and the New South Wales coastal fringe, but they will be on a clearing trend,” she explained.
This warning comes as Queenslanders are urged to brace for what experts predict will be a severe disaster season. Residents are advised to stay vigilant, monitor local weather updates, and prepare emergency plans in case of power outages or dangerous weather conditions.
As the storms develop, stay tuned for further updates and ensure you have a safety plan in place. The BOM will continue to issue updates as the situation evolves. Prepare now to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.
