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 and Wide Bay and Burnett Forecast Districts. Issued at 12:26 am Thursday, 22 January 2015. For Thursday. At 12am severe thunderstorms were observed on weather radar over western and southern parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields district. 91mm in the the 2 hours to 11pm was observed at Upper Van Dyke Alert south of Springsure and at Zeta Alert, south of Alpha. Thunderstorms are currently producing moderate falls between Townsville and Tully. Locations which may be affected by heavy rain or damaging wind gusts in the next several hours include Emerald, Alpha, Clermont, Blackwater, Springsure, Dysart and Carnarvon National Park. Almost stationary areas of heavy rain are located over southwestern parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields district. Falls of 50-120mm have been recorded here in the last 3 hours. Synoptic situation A major upper low pressure system over the interior of Queensland will deepen further overnight 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 later today, 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 6:30 am. 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 19:25:08 +0000