Severe weather warning as storm hits Mackay and Whitsunday region

A travelling vehicle has been struck by a falling tree as a severe weather system lashes the Mackay Whitsunday region on Christmas Day. UPDATED

The Bureau of Meteorology has put out a warning for severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding and damaging winds from Sarina to Ayr.

Trees are reportedly down in Mackay’s city area and there is water across the road at Calen as rain lashes the region prompting a severe weather warning for the Greater Whitsundays on Christmas Day.

One lane on Goldsmith St is completely blocked after half a tree has reportedly come down in the storm onto the roadway, striking a moving car and falling on a parked cars.

The occupant of the vehicle was not injured.

There is also reported to be water over Nebia Coningsby Rd with a fast moving current.

Police have also been called to the Ron Camm bridge after a barbecue was reportedly in one of the lanes.
Emergency crews across the region have reported minimal visibility as a result of the rain.

A slow moving cluster of thunderstorms about the Central Coast is producing heavy rainfall and the risk of damaging wind gusts.

The Bureau of Meteorology earlier put out a warning for severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding and damaging winds from Sarina to Ayr.

This slow moving cluster of thunderstorms could last several hours and may affect areas including Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Hamilton Island, Sarina and Ayr.

The system is caused by a strong upper trough moving over southern parts of the state.

BOM has since cancelled the weather warning now the threat of severe thunderstorms has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary.