A very dangerous thunderstorm is forecast to hit the Burnett this afternoon.
The Bureau of Meterology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for large, possibly giant hailstones, damaging, locally destructive winds and heavy rainfall.
The widespread warning area inclues the Wide Bay Burnett, including Kingaroy and Gayndah.
Hailstones ranging in size from 5cm to 9cm has been observed at other locations earlier this afternoon.
Meanwhile, a 104 km/h wind gust was recorded at Dalby Airport at 4:14 pm.
The Bureau reports that ‘very dangerous thunderstorms’ which are likely to produce large, possibly giant hailstones, damaging, locally destructive winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Southeast Coast and Maranoa and Warrego districts.
Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Toowoomba, Dalby, Maroochydore, Kingaroy and Stanthorpe.
SAFETY ADVICE:
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.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.
