The storm hit the region with strong winds and heavy rain in parts of North Rockhampton

A big tree fell across a busy Rockhampton road and a poor pooch found safety in a paddy wagon after a violent thunderstorm hit the city.

Council staff work to clear a fallen tree from the High Street bridge in North Rockhampton.

Strong winds and heavy rain hit areas of Rockhampton today with a large tree falling across a bridge, blocking one of the city’s busiest roads.

Police closed High Street for about two hours from 1.20pm while council workers removed the tree near Stockland Rockhampton shopping centre.

The storm hit the region about 12.50pm with heavy rain causing flash flooding in parts of North Rockhampton but only 13mm in 30 minutes was recorded at the Bureau of Meteorology weather station at Rockhampton Airport.

Police prepared to reopen the High Street bridge in North Rockhampton after a large tree fell in a storm and blocked the road.

Maximum winds gusts at the airport were recorded at 63kmh at 1.11pm.

There were social media reports and photos of flash flooding at the bottom of Farm Street at 1.27pm and water across roads in low-lying areas and several social media reports of a rain-affected evacuation at Stockland Rockhampton.

The centre was quickly reopened but the travelator near Big W was still closed at 4.30pm.

Stockland staff were still mopping up floors from an apparent roof leak at the food court at 4.20pm.

A SES spokesman said there were only a few minor call-outs.

About 80 Ergon customers lost power in Alton Downs and Parkhurst at 12.50pm. Most had been restored by 5pm.

Police at the High St roadblock picked up a stray dog after the storm and urged anyone missing the pet in the area to call the Rockhampton Police Station.

Police at the Hjgh Street roadblock picked up a stray dog after the January 19 storm and urge anyone missing the pet in the area to call the Rockhampton Police Station.

Attempts were made to contact Stockland Rockhampton to verify the evacuation.

Originally published as The storm hit the region with strong winds and heavy rain in parts of North Rockhampton