IDQ20032 Bureau of Meteorology Queensland Regional Office TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST SEVERE WEATHER WARNING for DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL For people in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Capricornia and parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin Forecast Districts. Issued at 1:54 pm Wednesday, 21 January 2015. For Wednesday and Thursday. At 1:50pm a number of severe thunderstorms were observed on weather radar within the warning area. 40mm of rain was observed in the 30 minutes to 12:50pm at Calcium Al, approximately 30kms south of Townsville. Locations which may be affected by heavy rain or damaging wind gusts in the next several hours include Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Townsville, Collinsville, Ayr and Hamilton Island. Synoptic situation A major upper low pressure system over the interior of Queensland will deepen further during today and remain slow moving over the interior of the state on Thursday. A surface low pressure system will also remain slow moving over the west of the state. Thunderstorms, some of which are likely to be severe, and rain areas will develop during today over central Queensland and become more widespread during tonight and Thursday, with locally heavy to very heavy falls of rain expected. 24 hour totals in excess of 250mm are possible. Damaging wind gusts of around 110 km/h are also expected with thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms may affect other parts of Queensland during today. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings will be issued as necessary. A Flood Watch has been issued for central Queensland and coastal areas between Townsville and Bundaberg. Refer to that product for more information on possible river flooding. Locations which may be affected include Townsville, Gladstone, Emerald, Rockhampton, Clermont, Mackay, Proserpine, Ayr, Bowen, Collinsville and Hamilton Island. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should: * Move your car under cover or away from trees. * Secure loose outdoor items. * Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. * Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. * Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters. * Keep clear of creeks and storm drains. * For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500. The next warning is due to be issued by 7:55 pm. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureaus website at bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 219. The Bureau and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 04:03:53 +0000