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Multiple storms cells forecast over the Darling Downs

Floodwaters are still yet to recede in parts of the Darling Downs, but authorities are predicting severe thunderstorms to hit the region. Details here.

UPDATE

The Bureau of Meterology have issues a severe storm warning to areas of the Darling Downs and Granite Belt, as well as up north into Capricornia and the Wide Bay and Burnett regions.

The BOM are forecasting damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall and large hail likely with any storm within the area.

A storm system is currently making its way towards Toowoomba from the west, with heavy rain expected to hit the district within the next hour.

Fresh storm warnings have been issued for the Toowoomba region and surrounds on Thursday morning, nearly a week after damaging floods hit the region.

The Bureau of Meteorology said a “very moist and unstable airmass” is interacting with a strong upper trough to promote thunderstorm activity this morning.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Warwick, Brisbane, Caboolture, Ipswich, Mount Tamborine and Redcliffe

The BOM said they are expecting multiple storm cells to form in the Darling Downs from Wednesday and into next week.

Forecaster James Thompson said the storms would gather southwest of Toowoomba this afternoon and track east towards the coast.

“This time of year, a severe storm can bring 60-100mm in an hour, but over a broad area we could be in for 20-50mm over next 24 hours,” he said.

The bureau issued a severe thunderstorm warning until midnight Wednesday, which covers the Darling Downs.

Thursday’s storms will form closer to the Toowoomba Range before moving east.

They come after the region was hit by widespread flooding that has since extended into Brisbane and Ipswich, shutting down the cities.

Unlike the past weekend’s sluggish weather systems, the approaching storm cells will move fast and bring the potential for damaging wind and rain.

Toowoomba residents have woken up to wet and foggy weather, Thursday, March 3, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Toowoomba residents have woken up to wet and foggy weather, Thursday, March 3, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“One of those severe storms could wreak havoc,” Mr Thompson said.

BOM has forecast the showers and storms to ease slightly over the weekend before picking up again on Monday.

“If you do get one of those storms you could get a significant amount of rainfall,” Mr Thompson said.

“There is a risk that these storms can lead to large river rises in some areas.”

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-toowoomba/multiple-storms-cells-forecast-over-the-darling-downs/news-story/42600e90e4f0a6e2c251e2e62bd4b1f5