Heavy storms inbound across Wide Bay-Burnett

The Bureau of Meteorology warns residents in the area marked in yellow to remain alert. 300932_02

Burnett residents are advised to prepare for a stormy afternoon and evening today, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning of severe thunderstorms in the region.

BoM’s warning system raised the alarm at 3:10pm today, Tuesday 27 September, informing residents of the Wide Bay-Burnett, Darling Downs and Capricornia regions that severe thunderstorms were recorded at Warwick in southern Queensland and at Lake Boondooma north of Proston.

These storms – allegedly a result of a trough positioned over central to southeastern Queensland – were reported to move east and northeast, exposing a wide area across the state to the risk of damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall, with subsequent flash flooding also a possibility.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advise residents of the affected area to:

* Move their 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.