“Severe Thunderstorm Warning Tonight: Life-Threatening Winds, Large Hail, and Flash Flood Threat—Safety Steps You Must Take Now”

Queensland’s Central Coast and Whitsundays remain on high alert after the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning overnight for heavy rainfall capable of triggering flash flooding, damaging winds and pockets of large hail. The alert, first released late Tuesday and updated into the early hours of Wednesday, covered Mackay, Proserpine, Bowen and surrounding inland communities, where saturated catchments have primed rivers and creeks for rapid rises. While the BoM officially cancelled the warning at 7:20 am AEST, forecasters stressed that “showers and thunderstorms with heavy rainfall may redevelop” as the atmosphere remains unstable under a deep tropical moisture plume. A concurrent flood watch continues for the Pioneer River catchment after more than 150 mm fell in parts of the region during the past 48 hours, leaving soils water-logged and drainage networks near capacity. Impacts already seen • The Bruce Highway was cut by floodwaters south of Proserpine, stranding motorists and forcing flight cancellations at Whitsunday Coast Airport as emergency crews worked through the night to rescue marooned travellers. • Power outages affected several coastal suburbs amid lightning strikes and fallen tree limbs, while SES teams responded to dozens of requests for sandbags and roof tarping. • Farmers reported crop losses in low-lying cane fields near Sarina, where creek banks overtopped shortly after midnight. What to expect this afternoon and tonight Meteorologists warn that convection is likely to refire as daytime heating peaks, with storm cells drifting east-southeast toward the coast. Intensities may be sporadic, but any storm that anchors over a single district could drop 60–100 mm in under two hours, rapidly flooding urban streets and low-level river crossings. Gusts topping 90 km/h remain possible along microburst outflows, and isolated hail to 3 cm cannot be ruled out. Safety checklist • Stay indoors during thunderstorm activity and keep clear of windows. • Do not drive, ride or walk through floodwaters; just 15 cm of moving water can sweep a small car off the road. • Park vehicles under solid shelter to minimise hail damage. • Secure outdoor furniture, trampolines and construction materials that could become airborne in strong winds. • Tune to local radio, the BoM website or the Bureau’s Weather app for the latest warning updates; new advisories will be issued if severe criteria redevelop. • In life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000). With the monsoon trough expected to linger over northern Queensland through the end of the week, residents should prepare for further rounds of intense thunderstorms and potential flash flooding. Keep emergency kits stocked, review household evacuation plans and remain weather-aware until conditions fully stabilise.