Severe thunderstorm warning

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for South East Queensland, with destructive winds, heavy rainfall and large hailstones expected on the Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Somerset, Brisbane and Moreton Bay council areas.

Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Coordinator Andrew Ryan said the latest update from the Queensland Bureau of Meteorology (5.55pm on November 27),  showed very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Lake Somerset.

These thunderstorms are moving towards the north. Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect Kilcoy, Mount Kilcoy and the area north of Woodford by 6.25 pm and Conondale, Jimna, the area west of Conondale and the area northwest of Jimna by 6.55 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms were located near Toogoolawah and Wamuran. They are forecast to affect Caloundra, the area southwest of Caloundra, Peachester and Landsborough by 6.25 pm and Maroochydore, waters off Maroochydore, Montville and Palmwoods by 6.55 pm.

Destructive winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.

Very large hail (capable of smashing windows) and a 141 km/h wind gust has been recorded from the Brisbane area.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

\* Move your car under cover or away from trees.

\* Secure loose outdoor items.

\* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.

\* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.

\* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.

\* Beware of fallen trees and power lines.

\* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 219.

“Remember – if you are driving or tempted to enter a river or creek, if it’s flooded – forget it,” Mr Ryan said.

“We don’t want our emergency service officers and volunteers to be risking their lives responding to accidents that could have been avoided.”

Before heading off for a flight or to pick up visitors at the Sunshine Coast Airport, contact the airline you are flying with for the latest information (Jetstar 131 538 and Virgin Australia 136 789) or visit www.sunshinecoastairport.com.au

Emergency numbers

• For life threatening emergencies call 000.
• Emergency help in storms and floods SES 132 500
• Bureau of Meteorology Cyclone Advice: 1300 659 212
• Road closures: 131 940
• For ongoing storm updates, tune into your local radio station.

Media inquiries:

Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Co-ordinator: Andrew Ryan 0417 006 365

LDMG Media Officer: Belinda Warren 0409 094 314