Brisbane weather: Severe storm warnings downgraded as storms ease

Severe thunderstorm warnings have been cancelled as this afternoon’s huge storm cell eases off over Brisbane.

Severe storm warnings issued across southeast Queensland have been downgraded as a massive cell which crossed the state begins to ease.

Two storm warning updates have been issued, with the first being for parts of the Ipswich, Logan, Somerset, Lockyer Valley and Brisbane City council areas.

“A few thunderstorms are ongoing over the Brisbane area, however they are very unlikely to be producing any severe phenomena,” the first warning said.

“Severe thunderstorms are no longer affecting the Southeast Queensland area (east of Dalby from Rainbow Beach to Stanthorpe).

“The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary.”

A second warning for the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia and Wide Bay and Burnett forecast districts indicates these storms are also easing, however one or two severe storms remain possible over the warning area.

“Severe thunderstorms may produce damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours,” it said.

“Locations which may be affected include Biloela, Monto, Theodore, Moura, Gayndah, Mundubbera and Eidsvold.

Earlier, the bureau issued its storm outlook for Saturday, which showed severe storms were most likely in Stanthorpe, Warwick and just south of Toowoomba.

But severe storms are possible from the Gold Coast right up to Rockhampton, with the Central West, Gulf Country and Tropical Coast all likely for thunderstorms.

Brendan Smith was sitting in his van when the tornado landed at the International Airport on Friday. Picture: David Clark

It comes as a severe fire weather warning was issued for the Maranoa and Warrego region and the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.

The Sunshine state has copped a barrage of wild weather this week including supercell storms, a mini tornado at Brisbane Airport, and record-breaking 16cm hailstones near Mackay.

More than 120mm fell in parts of Queensland’s northwest overnight, with Miranda Creek, just north of Mt Isa recording 124mm in the past 24 hours, while Mt Garnet, southwest of Cairns had 66mm.

Totals above 30mm were recorded across Central Queensland.