Severe thunderstorms to smash South East Queensland with large hail, heavy rain forecast

The threat of severe thunderstorms still lingers for South East Queensland residents after earlier warnings of large hail, heavy rain and damaging winds.

Heavy storm and hail and rain clouds pass over Brisbane earlier in the week. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

• Explained: Why so many hailstorms

Much of South East Queensland remains under the threat of severe thunderstorms today with large hail, heavy rain and damaging winds forecast.

Earlier today The Bureau of Meteorology forecast severe thunderstorms to his Brisbane, and the Gold and Sunshine coasts.

The bureau said the predicted downpour could lead to flash flooding.

A severe storm warning was cancelled for the Darling Downs and Granite Belt regions after 3pm.

A significant patch of rain descended towards the regions, however there are no warnings active.

“Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms across most of the state, tending widespread during the afternoon and evening in southeastern and central Queensland,” BOM’s forecast read.

“Severe thunderstorms possible in northern, central and southeastern Queensland.”

A significant storm cell this morning moved through the Maranoa region reportedly dumping 25mm in quick succession at Roma.

Higgins Storm Chasing yesterday said the activity was set to develop inland and progress east during the day before hitting coastal areas in the afternoon.

“Most cells will be big dumpers with heavy rain and that causes microbursts with damaging winds,” Higgins reported.

“Large hail will be restricted to isolated cells.”

Millions of residents in South East Queensland are in the firing line for severe storms today following a minor reprieve from wild weather on Friday.

It comes after a massive week of wild weather for much of the southeast, with experts revealing the cause of an outbreak of severe storms that unleashed giant hail and destructive winds, damaging homes, cars and cutting power to tens of thousands.

Bribie Island was among the worst-hit centres on Monday, with residents speculating a tornado had hit after roofs were ripped from homes and cars smashed by trees.

Bribie Island resident Tony Hanns outside his wrecked unit that had the Asbestos roof ripped off by the Monday’s storm. Photo Steve Pohlner

Weatherwatch meteorologist Anthony Cornelius said a sudden stratospheric warming event that began in August and September had changed weather patterns, helping to anchor a surface trough over the southeast for the past six weeks.

Originally published as Severe thunderstorms to smash South East Queensland with large hail, heavy rain forecast