Southern Downs residents warned to brace for severe thunderstorms

Wild weather from heavy rainfall to damaging winds and hail has been forecast for residents from Warwick to the Granite Belt this week. Full forecast here:

Southern Downs residents are being warned to brace for severe thunderstorms bringing damaging winds, hail and heavy rain throughout this week.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt, including Warwick, at 11.14am Monday.

Regions expected to receive heavy rain on Monday. Picture: BOM

BOM meteorologist Helen Reid said damaging winds, heavy rain and large hail could be expected as part of the system along with 20mm to 30mm of rain.

“This is problematic for flash flooding,” she said.

Dr Reid said the storm activity was expected to reappear every day this week excluding Thursday and the weekend.

She said 10mm to 15mm of rain was expected for the remainder of the week.

Dr Reid said motorists should stay alert and drive to the conditions as there would be reduced road visibility.

“Because it’s coming down so quickly, that can lead to problems on the roads, sides and gutters can get flooded,” she said.

Last week Warwick received a total of 17mm of rain while most parts of the Granite Belt received 40mm on average.