Large hail, damaging winds, heavy rain forecast for Qld; BOM warns residents to stay vigilant

Severe thunderstorms have been forecast for much of Queensland as a supercell moves into the state, generating heavy rain, strong winds and hail.

Severe thunderstorms have been forecast for much of Queensland as a supercell which is expected to generate heavy rain, strong winds and possible hail moves through the state this weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology along with weather watchers SEQ Supercells and Higgins Storm Chasing are all predicting strong storm activity as a trough coming from the west moves through the central and southern interior.

“We did see some of that forecast storm activity fire up this morning mainly around the NSW and Queensland border which is being generated by a strong trough,” BOM spokesman Daniel Hayes said.

“The system will then make its way eastwards and that’s where we will see those heavy rainfall totals, up to 25mm of rain is forecast.

“Over the course of the weekend as the trough moves through to the east, that's when we can expect to see those severe thunderstorms which bring along a possibility of large hail and high rainfall totals.”

South East Queensland is facing the threat of severe storms today. Picture: Windy

Rain has already begun to fall on fire grounds along the NSW and Queensland border with thunderstorms expected to reach the Tara region by Saturday.

“Regarding the fire grounds, there is storm activity expected that way but not enough to make a difference. Cooler temperatures will most likely assist ground crews there,” Mr Hayes said.

Satellite imagery showing the storms over the Queensland-NSW border. Picture: BOM

Around the metro areas, the thunderstorms are forecast to hit both Brisbane and the Gold Coast on Sunday and into the new week.

“Sunday morning is when we will likely see those greater falls around the metro areas. There is a possibility of severe thunderstorms and with that will bring the possibility of high rainfall and hail however strong winds are not likely at this early stage,” Mr Hayes said.