SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND
for DAMAGING WIND, FLASH FLOODING and LARGE HAILSTONES
For people in parts of the GYMPIE, SUNSHINE COAST, SOMERSET, SOUTH BURNETT and TOOWOOMBA Council Areas.
Issued at 7:12 pm Saturday, 10 December 2011.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 7:05 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near the area south of Kingaroy, Mapleton, the area south of Lake Boondooma, Yarraman, Moore and Montville. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east to northeast. They are forecast to affect the area southwest of Noosa Heads and Proston by 7:35 pm and Kilcoy, Noosa Heads and waters off Noosa Heads by 8:05 pm.
Damaging winds, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.
Emergency Management Queensland advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* 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.
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure loose outdoor items.
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* 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.
The next warning is due to be issued by 8:15 pm.
A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Southeast Coast and parts of the Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Northwest, Central West, Channel Country, Maranoa and Warrego and Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 219. The Bureau and Emergency Management Queensland would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
