Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North West, Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West and Channel Country Forecast Districts.

Issued at 7:56 pm Thursday, 22 January 2026.

Severe thunderstorms with possible isolated damaging winds and heavy rainfall over the central interior this evening.

Weather Situation: A moist and unstable airmass combines with a trough through the interior to produce severe thunderstorms this evening.

Severe thunderstorms may produce isolated damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West and Channel Country districts. Locations which may be affected include Emerald, Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, Carnarvon National Park and Isisford.

Severe thunderstorms may produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the North West and Channel Country districts. Locations which may be affected include Boulia.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Maranoa and Warrego district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

Emergency services advise people to:
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.