Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs and Granite Belt and Central Highlands and Coalfields Forecast Districts.

Issued at 6:33 pm Thursday, 22 October 2026.

LARGE, POSSIBLY GIANT HAIL, AND HEAVY RAINFALL IN THE NORTHERN DARLING DOWNS AND SOUTHERN WIDE BAY AND BURNETT

A very moist environment is combining with a surface trough and upper level instability to produce heavy rainfall and possible large hail through parts of the Darling Downs this evening.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce large, possibly giant hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.

54 mm was recorded at Barakula Forest in the 30min to 5:10 pm.

47 mm was recorded at Canaan Creek n the 30min to 5:10 pm.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Stay away from windows if there is giant hail.
* 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.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.