Forecasters predict severe storms, ease in heatwave temperatures for the weekend

Wild weather has battered parts of the Western Downs, as strong winds and even a reported tornado wreak havoc and leave hundreds without power.

Hundreds of Western Downs residents have been left without power after a wild storm battered the region.

The Bureau of Meteorology on Thursday warned of ‘very dangerous’ weather with the possibility of hail, heavy rain and damaging winds.

A large storm hit the Western Downs about 4pm and left hundreds of residents without power, and at Kaimkillenbum residents reported that a tornado was formed in the supercell.

Ergon Energy reports that more than 800 residents northeast of Dalby are without power, while another 44 are without power near Ducklo.

Other severe storms were detected west of Toowoomba and were forecast to affect Jondaryan, Bowenville and the area northeast of Lake Boondooma by 5pm.

A Bureau of Meteorology spokesman said the severe storms could bring damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall in eastern parts of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.

“Isolated very dangerous thunderstorms are also possible over the southeastern inland south of about Gayndah and through to the NSW border, with giant hail and destructive wind gusts possible in these areas,” the spokesman said.

“Severe to locally extreme heatwave conditions are forecast across central and southeast Queensland over the next few days. Maximum temperatures peak today or tomorrow across the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.”

The spokesman said a broader southerly change is forecast to move across the southeast late Friday or early Saturday, which is set to return temperatures closer to average in southeast and central parts, easing heatwave conditions in those areas.

Workers in government-owned buildings have been urged to turn off one computer screen, stop lifts and avoid high-energy tasks such as printing and laminating to reduce pressure on the energy grid as Queensland swelters through a heatwave.

The call came after more than 14,000 South East Queensland properties lost power as demand for electricity pushed an all-time high after a scorching day in Brisbane yesterday that also prompted health warnings and disrupted rail services.

A total of 14,728 properties were without power at 8pm following severe heatwave conditions earlier in the day.

Originally published as Forecasters predict severe storms, ease in heatwave temperatures for the weekend