Severe thunderstorms are forecast in parts of northeast NSW with weather warnings already in place for parts of southeast Queensland.
A severe thunderstorm warning for damaging winds and large hailstones was issued on Thursday afternoon for parts of Taroom, Rolleston, Springsure, Theodore, Moura and Carnarvon National Park in Queensland.
People within that zone are urged to park cars undercover and away from trees, keep doors and windows closed, and keep asthma medication close by as storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
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Storms including “winds and hail” are also possible further afield around southeast Queensland and northeast NSW, senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said.
Bradbury said the severe storms were “possible, if not likely” across parts of central and southeast Queensland and potentially impacting the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.
Brisbane is likely to escape the worst of Thursday’s storms.
“Storms are possible today through much of central and southeast Queensland, (and) northeast NSW, extending all the way down through the Hunter and even to the Blue Mountains to the west of Sydney,” Bradbury said.
“Brisbane is more likely to see standard non-severe storms today, where we may see those severe storms impacting the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.”
Damaging wind gusts and large hail are also possible for parts of NSW’s Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast, including Byron Bay, Lismore and Coffs Harbour.
“Heavy rainfall is less likely today, although we may still see some short, sharp downbursts with any storms moving directly overhead but damaging winds and large hail may lead to trees and branches being brought down, potentially impacting property or cars, and leading to some damage,” Bradbury said.
“Storms are likely to start developing through the afternoon, continuing as we go into the evening period.”
Bradbury said the storms have been brought about by the tail end of a cold front brushing up the northern NSW coast and interacting with warm, moist air coming down from the north.
“We really urge all communities through these areas to keep a close eye on the Bureau’s website and social media through the course of this afternoon and evening, in case we do need to issue any thunderstorm warnings for what is starting to develop,” she said.