Southeast Queensland to see storms roll in over weekend

Forecasters are predicting heavy rain across the southeast at the weekend, with the chance of the season’s first severe storms for the the area. It comes as a storm warning has been issued for parts of central and southwestern Queensland.

Cloud is expected to cover the southeast today in the lead up to a rainy weekend, where one weather forecast is predicting ‘likely severe’ storms.

A 40 per cent chance of rainfall has been forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology for Brisbane on Thursday before heavier falls are expected to hit the southeast across the weekend.

With temperatures set to remain in the low 30s, the Bureau has predicted the chance of a thunderstorm across the weekend.

On Sunday there was a 60 per cent chance of up to 15mm of rainfall predicted for Brisbane.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a partly cloudy day today with light winds becoming easterly in the afternoon.

Storms are expected across the southeast this weekend. Picture: John Gass

A chance of falls was more likely to be seen west of the Sunshine Coast today.

Higgins Storm Chasing has suggested that Queensland will see “likely’ and “likely severe’ storms from Wednesday.

“Scattered showers and storms (some likely SEVERE) are forecast across Central inland, South East inland and Southern inland districts tomorrow (Wednesday),” they wrote on social media.

They said storms were expected to ramp up again on Friday.

“Expect an extremely large area of likely and quite a large area of ‘likely severe’ storms.”

⛈️ Storm forecast for today ⛈️
Storms possible over a large area of #Qld, esp. the eastern interior & northern parts. Severe storms are possible in the central & southern interior, and may have damaging winds, large hail & heavy rain. For any warnings: https://t.co/FWn6phSZM1 pic.twitter.com/3ZLTiKmwnO

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) October 21, 2020

The Bureau of Meteorology has this afternoon issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the state’s southwest and central Queensland.

It says locations that might be affected include Roma, Monto, Injune and Surat.

Damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall were possible.

RACQ Spokeswoman Lucinda Ross said the warnings should be taken as an opportunity to prepare for storm season.

“Make sure you trim back overhanging branches, secure loose outdoor items and clear out the gutters – it sounds simple, but these steps can really reduce the extent of any potential damage in a storm,” she said.

“If you haven’t packed your emergency kit, get started today.”

“Make sure you’ve got some supplies of food, water and important medication, as well as a battery pack or radio to stay tuned to any advice from the authorities.”

“Don’t get complacent this storm season, make sure you, your family and your home are prepared.”