Severe storms likely to hit

STORMS moving east from Toowoomba are expected to hit the greater Brisbane region with destructive winds, heavy rainfall and large hailstones.

The Bureau of Meteorology advised people to move cars, secure loose outdoor items and seek shelter, in a severe thunderstorm warning issued at 5.03pm.

Redland City, Ipswich, Logan, Scenic Rim, Gold Coast and other south-east Queensland council areas were included in the warning.

The bureau also advised people to avoid using telephones during thunderstorms and beware of fallen trees and powerlines.

“Destructive winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones are likely,” the statement read.

For emergency help, dial Triple Zero (000). 

For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. 

EARLIER:

LARGE hail and strong winds could hit the region with severe storms expected to develop across south-east Queensland this evening.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Sean Fitzpatrick said instability in the atmosphere and high moisture levels had helped create perfect conditions for super cell storms.

Mr Fitzgerald said the storm activity was expected across much of south-east Queensland and the east coast of New South Wales.

He said the front was expected to travel east towards the coast, bringing winds greater than 90km/h and hail measuring five centimetres or more in diameter.

“Keep an eye on the radar,” he said. “The storms can form basically everywhere.”

Mr Fitzgerald said no flood warnings had been issued.

The severe storm warning has come ahead of storm and cyclone season discussions shared between agencies today at Kedron’s Emergency Services Complex.

BoM state manager for Queensland, Mr Bruce Gunn, said Queensland’s wet season had already begun with record October rainfall already experienced in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and the 1770 township.

A BoM spokesperson said the development of a La Nina was being tracked, with conditions neutral.

“If a La Nina does develop, it is likely to be a weak event and relatively short-lived, by contrast to the La Nina of 2010/11 which was one of the strongest events on record,” the spokesperson said.