Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Southeast Queensland

Residents in southeast Queensland are bracing for severe thunderstorms predicted to bring damaging winds and large hailstones to the region. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued warnings for parts of Ipswich, Logan, Scenic Rim, and Brisbane City Council areas as of Tuesday afternoon, October 8, 2024.

Patch Clapp, a forecaster at BOM, stated, “We’re still looking at most of the southeast coastal district for potentially seeing those storms, and possibly severe storms, today.” The forecast suggests that areas around the Scenic Rim and the hinterland could be most affected, with damaging wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h and hailstones larger than 2 cm in diameter being the primary concerns.

Senior meteorologist Laura Boekel from BOM added that the thunderstorms could bring a first round of severe weather in the afternoon, followed by a second round later in the evening due to a trough moving in from the south. “We might see that first round in the afternoon, in that typical time that we often see storms,” Boekel explained, indicating the possibility of unusual timing for subsequent storms.

Local residents have already begun experiencing the effects of these weather conditions. Sonia Alcorn from Kooralbyn in the Scenic Rim reported that a severe storm struck her area around 2:20 pm, resulting in heavy rain and hail. “We got a little bit of thunder, and it got very, very dark,” she said. Alcorn noted that the winds were strong enough to overturn her aviary, although it was fortunately empty at the time.

BOM warns that the severe weather could extend into the evening, affecting northern parts of the Southeast Coast, the Wide Bay and Burnett, and Capricornia districts. Heavy rainfall may persist through the night, albeit with a reduced risk of hail and strong winds.

Looking ahead, BOM predicts a warmer and wetter three months, raising concerns about severe weather events in the coming season. “Severe weather is predicted this season,” Boekel noted, highlighting the potential for extreme heatwaves, bushfires, and flooding.

Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy of the Queensland Police emphasized the need for preparedness, stating, “We have to prepare for the worst and hope Queensland gets a good year.” With more than 60 local government areas having faced disaster events last season, authorities remain vigilant in their preparations for the weather conditions ahead.