GC WEATHER: Severe thunderstorms begin to brew on radar

Thunderstorms have started to fire up west of the Gold Coast, with the weather bureau issuing a warning for parts of the South East.

While the Gold Coast has not yet been included in the current warning, residents are being warned there is the chance of a storm this afternoon.

At the moment, the storm cell appears to be headed for the Scenic Rim and Logan, but there is the chance that could also impact parts of the northern Gold Coast later on.

“The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 1:30 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Caboolture and Harrisville,” The Bureau of Meteorology said.

“These thunderstorms are moving towards the east and are forecast to affect Peak Crossing by 2:00 pm and Bundamba Lagoon by 2:30 pm.”

Damaging winds and large hailstones are likely.

A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Southeast Coast and parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett and Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts.

⛈️ QLD TS Forecast Tues 26 Oct: Thunderstorms are possible in east and northwest of QLD. Severe TS are expected to develop over central and southeast QLD. #Wind, #hail, #rain especially for inland #WideBayBurnett. Check radar and warnings https://t.co/FBmpsInT9o #QldWeather pic.twitter.com/4XDDg299Td

— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) October 26, 2021

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