Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Cherbourg and parts of Gympie, Scenic Rim, South Burnett, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Somerset, Noosa and Moreton Bay Council Areas.

Issued at 5:22 pm Thursday, 31 October 2024.

GIANT HAIL AND DESTRUCTIVE WINDS POSSIBLE ABOUT SUNSHINE COAST AND NSW BORDER AREAS.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:15 pm, VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS likely to produce destructive winds, giant hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Mapleton, Yandina and Laravale. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east to northeast. They are forecast to affect Lamington National Park and the area south of Canungra by 5:30 pm and the area south of Noosa Heads, Palmwoods and Coolum Beach by 5:45 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds, large, possibly giant hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Wondai, Murgon and Tweed Heads(NSW). These thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast. They are forecast to affect Cherbourg, Goomeri and waters off Tweed Heads by 5:30 pm and Coolangatta by 5:45 pm.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Pack away, secure or tie down outdoor furniture, toys and trampolines if it s safe to do so.
* Stay away from windows if there is giant hail.
* 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.