Severe storms bring potential for more flash flooding

A storm warning with the potential for flash flooding has been issued for parts of Queensland that were swamped by major flooding just a matter of weeks ago – but there is good news if you've been feeling the heat.

Severe storms which could lead to flash flooding have been forecast for large parts of Queensland over the coming days.

Meteorologists have advised that some towns could receive up to 100mm of rain in isolated storms expected to develop across the southern and central interior, and in the state’s northwest.

Weather bureau meteorologist Pieter Claassen said severe storms could hit Longreach, Charleville and Mount Isa as a trough combines with the remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Tiffany.

“What we’re most worried about is heavy rainfall which could lead to flash flooding,” he said.

“On Wednesday we’re looking at scattered falls of 20mm to 40mm of rain, with isolated totals up as high as 80mm to 100mm possible.

“So quite a lot of rainfall is possible with that system inland.”

A ridge expected to build along the coast on Thursday could bring showers to the state’s east.

Mr Claassen said the wet weather was expected to move west, with most of the state clearing over the weekend.

The rain is hoped to ease high temperatures that residents through central and western Queensland have been experiencing.

Daytime temperatures in some parts of the state have been reaching the mid 40s and the night has provided little reprieve.

Windorah recorded a night-time temperature of 32C on Monday, while Birdsville dropped to only 31.5C.

Overnight, a severe thunderstorm warning remained current for parts of the Peninsula, Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Central West forecast districts.

A humid and unstable air mass to the east of a trough in the interior has triggered the thunderstorms which are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours, according to the BOM.

At 11.24pm, the Bureau issued a warning for people in parts of the Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Channel Country and Maranoa and Warrego forecast districts.

“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours,” the Bureau said.

“Locations which may be affected include Thargomindah, Clermont, Charters Towers, Mornington Island, Quilpie and Delta Downs Station.”

An earlier severe thunderstorm warning for the Southeast Coast, North West and Peninsula districts has been cancelled.

Goondiwindi recorded a gust of 96 km/h at 4.27pm, Pikes Creek recorded 37mm of rain in 30 minutes to 4:45pm and Scottsdale (southwest of Warwick) recorded 45mm in 30 minutes to 6:00pm.