UPDATE: The Bureau of Meteorology have warned that at 1:30 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near the area northwest of Toowoomba, the area south of Kingaroy, the area north of Nanango and Linville.
These thunderstorms are moving towards the east to southeast.
They are forecast to affect the area north of Toowoomba, Nanango and Elgin Vale by 2pm and the ranges between Gympie and Murgon, Crows Nest and Jimna by 2:30pm.
EARLIER: Damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall are expected across southeast Queensland.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for people in the Wide Bay, Burnett and Darling Downs.
Severe thunderstorms are developing and expected to become stronger and more extensive later this afternoon.
The storms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.
Locations which may be affected include Toowoomba, Dalby, Maroochydore, Gympie, Kingaroy and Rainbow Beach.
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