Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall in Southeast Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDQ21033) for heavy rainfall. This alert is designated as a top priority for immediate broadcast due to the potential for hazardous conditions.

Affected Areas

The warning applies to residents in parts of the Southeast Coast, Darling Downs, and Granite Belt Forecast Districts. Specific locations that may be impacted include:

• Gold Coast
• Ipswich
• Gatton
• Cleveland
• Jimboomba
• Lowood

What You Should Do

Emergency services advise residents in the warning area to take immediate safety precautions:

• Seek Shelter: Go inside a strong building now and stay inside until the storm has passed.
• Vehicle Safety: Park your car undercover and away from trees. Do not drive now unless necessary as conditions are dangerous.
• Home Preparation: Close all doors and windows. Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Health & Safety: Keep asthma medications close by, as storms and wind can trigger attacks. Ensure pets are in a safe place and properly identified.
• Communication: Tell friends, family, and neighbors in the area about the warning.

Expected Conditions

Heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms are developing on a southeasterly change across the far southeast this afternoon. These severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 1:24 pm Friday, 13 March 2026. The current alert is expected to remain active for several hours, with the next scheduled update due by 4:25 pm. If severe thunderstorms develop further in the Southeast Queensland area (east of Dalby from Rainbow Beach to Stanthorpe), a more detailed warning will be issued.