Bureau of Meteorology issues severe thunderstorm warning for heavy rain for south-east Queensland

A severe thunderstorm warning for heavy rainfall has been issued for south-east Queensland with the potential it could to lead to flash flooding. 

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued the warning for Logan, Redland City and Brisbane city council areas.

The slow-moving thunderstorm was detected near Slacks Creek and is forecast to affect Woodridge, Sunnybank Hills, Wynnum and Camp Hill. 

The BOM said a coastal trough in combination with very humid, unstable conditions was generating heavy showers and thunderstorms.

“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours,” the BOM said. 

The BOM said the warning also applied to residents in Ipswich, Moreton Island and Cleveland. 

Residents are being advised to park their cars undercover, close doors and windows, ensure pets are safe, and not to drive in dangerous conditions.

Brisbane had recorded 56.6 millimetres of rain up to 2pm, according to the BOM, while 30.4mm had been recorded at Sunshine Coast airport.

The Brisbane City Council has also issued a watch and act flood warning for East Brisbane, Woolloongabba and Norman Creek with water levels rising in the area. 

Community festival washed out

Continuous flooding rain has forced the cancellation of the Sherwood Community Festival in Brisbane’s west.

The annual volunteer-run free event has been running for 29 years and was expected to attract 8,000 people.

Festival president Sophie Julian said organisers had made the call with the Brisbane City Council this afternoon.

“We are devastated… it is just way too wet on the ground and we can’t get cars in here,” she said.

“We’ve had a cry and a lie down in the puddles and thankfully one of our sponsors have offered us a drink afterwards.”