Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Wide Bay and Burnett, Maranoa and Warrego, Channel Country and Capricornia Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:19 pm Wednesday, 1 January 2025.

Severe thunderstorms occurring over central and southern inland areas.

Weather Situation: An inland trough and embedded low are combining with unstable air to produce large areas of thunderstorm activity during the afternoon and evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Central West districts. Locations which may be affected include Pentland, Torrens Creek, Natal Downs and Aberfoyle.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Wide Bay and Burnett, Maranoa and Warrego, Channel Country and Capricornia districts. Locations which may be affected include Charleville, Isisford, Barcaldine, Rolleston, Blackall and Carnarvon National Park.

49 mm was recorded at Injune in the 1 hour to 1:00 pm.

Emergency services advise people to:
* 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.