Premium Content
Subscriber only
MAJOR UPDATE: A severe thunderstorm warning with damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall has been issued for the fringes of the Sunshine Coast. The weather bureau has warned, as of 12.50pm, that severe systems were detected off Mount Beerwah and are due to reach hinterland suburbs within the hour. Meteorologist Shane Kennedy told the Daily on Wednesday morning that the storms were expected to hit the Coast this afternoon and into the night. The bureau s warning said damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding was likely.
Take action to stay safe with damaging winds, large hail & heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, possible in impact zones of Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in southern parts of Queensland. Follow @QldFES advice. #QLDweather warnings https://t.co/WE4NwbRMV9pic.twitter.com/efBuwn4Pql Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM Qld) May 12, 2021
Small but heavy hail was reported in Maroochydore and there have been multiple reports of downed trees on social media. The weather bureau s severe thunderstorm remains active with the potential to produce damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall causing flash flooding. The weather bureau has warned of a very dangerous storm on Queensland s southeast coast. Picture: Bureau of Meteorology 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. Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
The trough was then expected to move south or south-easterly on Monday, moving parallel to the coast along the coastal fringe or offshore, bringing with it heavy downpours. The threat was dependent on the track the trough took, but the Bureau warned heavy rainfall which could spark flash flooding could develop on Sunday night and into Monday. Six-hourly rainfall of 120-160mm was expected with more intense localised falls of 200-250mm possible in coastal communities and on Fraser Island. A flood watch had been issued for coastal catchments and the likes of Maroochydore, Gympie, Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach were listed as areas which could be affected.