LATEST SEVERE WEATHER WARNING: Issued at 5:30 pm Wednesday, 21 January 2015. At 5:30pm thunderstorms where producing moderate falls between Townsville and Bowen, and between St Lawrence and Seventeen Seventy. Some severe thunderstorms have been observed on weather radar in the west of the Central Highlands and Coalfields district. Locations which may be affected by heavy rain or damaging wind gusts in the next several hours include Gladstone, Proserpine, Bowen, Townsville, Ayr, Clermont, Charters Towers 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 severe, have been observed over central Queensland and are forecast to 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, Bundaberg 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 11:30 pm. #GRCstorm
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 07:43:05 +0000