Australia Weather News

BOM warning in south-east Queensland forecasts damaging hail and wind

Intense hail has hit the Toowoomba region, blanketing the ground, as thunderstorms sweep across south-east Queensland.

Just before 4:00pm on Monday, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said severe thunderstorms had eased.

Footage of the hailstorm was posted online by Toowoomba residents, with heavy falls around the Wellcamp Airport.

Shannon Bosworth, who works at a cafe in the airport, said the hailstorm started around noon and lasted about half an hour.

"It was very heavy. It looked like snow out there," she said.

"It's all gone now, all clear."

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Foyster was driving between Pittsworth and Toowoomba when she came across piles of hail on the side of the road.

"We thought it was foam, like at the beach after a swell or piles of salt," she said.

"Anyway, we stopped in the middle of it and had a look, when you stood in the stuff, you sank, it was cold and wet."

Parts of the Gold Coast have also seen up to 40 millimetres of rainfall since 9:00am on Monday.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) have advised residents to:

  • 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 State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.

    ABC