Warwick in firing line of mega hail, destructive winds as severe thunderstorms develop

Residents from Warwick to the Granite Belt are being warned to prepare for severe thunderstorm conditions as potentially wild weather brews across the state.

Residents from Warwick to the Granite Belt could again be in the firing line of severe thunderstorms bringing large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall with a risk of flash flooding.

Latest forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology indicate an 80 per cent chance of rain in Warwick on Friday and a 90 per cent chance for towns on the Granite Belt.

Current storm warnings also put both Warwick and Stanthorpe in the range of severe thunderstorms.

BOM meteorologist Dr Helen Reid said residents shouldn’t be put off by the similar Thursday forecast not coming through, as thunderstorms were already brewing across southern Queensland.

Warwick and the Granite Belt are in the firing line of potentially dangerous storm conditions on Friday afternoon.

“We’re expecting another widespread lot of thunderstorms. There’s the potential in the environment to have damaging wind gusts, large hail, and heavy rainfall leading to localised flash flooding,” Dr Reid said.

“People do have a bit of time to prepare. I wouldn’t expect any severe development until later (Friday) afternoon, as it takes a while for these to get going.”

She said residents across the Southern Downs could expect 15mm to 35mm throughout Friday, with the potential for huge totals of 60mm to 70mm if thunderstorms eventuate.

All predictions indicate Friday will be the last day for any wild weather, with clear conditions and maximum temperatures of up to 29C forecast for the weekend.