********PLEASE SHARE IF APPLICABLE********* TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST SEVERE WEATHER WARNING for DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL For people in the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Capricornia and parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Wide Bay and Burnett Forecast Districts. Issued at 12:44 pm Thursday, 22 January 2015. For Thursday. At 12:30pm areas of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms were observed on weather radar in parts of the Central Coast district, with moderate falls occuring over southern parts of the Capricornia district and parts of the northern Wide Bay and Burnett district. 105mm in the 30 minutes to 11:50am was recorded at McCreadys Creek near Mackay, with a number of other locations in the area receiving 60mm to 90mm in an hour. Locations which may be affected by heavy rain or damaging wind gusts in the next several hours include Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen, Hamilton Island, Sarina, Bundaberg and Gladstone. Synoptic situation A major upper low pressure system will drift eastwards over the central interior today while the surface low/trough will remain relatively stationary. Widespread 24 hour rainfall totals of 50-100mm are expected with isolated totals over 150mm possible. Thunderstorms have been observed over parts of the Queensland coast and are forecast to become more widespread later today especially over inland parts, with locally heavy to very heavy falls of rain expected. Isolated 24 hour totals in excess of 200mm are possible with thunderstorms. Damaging wind gusts of around 110 km/h are also possible with thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms may affect other parts of Queensland during today. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings will be issued as necessary. Locations which may be affected during today include Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Proserpine and Bowen. A Flood Watch has been issued for central Queensland and coastal areas between Gladstone and Bundaberg. Refer to that product for more information on possible river flooding. 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 6:45 pm. Update by Liz for Townsville Storms at 12.53pm
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 02:54:28 +0000