Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Central Coast and Whitsundays, Capricornia, Southeast Coast and parts of Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Wide Bay and Burnett and Darling Downs and Granite Belt Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:44 pm Wednesday, 20 October 2021.

Severe thunderstorms are expanding across the east.

Weather Situation: A warm, humid and very unstable air mass will once again combine with a highly amplified upper trough over eastern Queensland.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds, large, possibly giant hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Capricornia and parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Wide Bay and Burnett districts. Locations which may be affected include Rockhampton, Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Hamilton Island and Mount Morgan.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Southeast Coast and parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett and Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Gympie, Stanthorpe, Ipswich, Laidley and Lowood.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.