Issued: Friday 9 December 2022
Severe thunderstorms developed over parts of south-east and central Queensland on Thursday. Gympie, and surrounding areas, were particularly impacted by hail with downed trees as a result of damaging winds.
Damaging winds, large to giant hail and bursts of rain of up to 50 mm were observed on Thursday afternoon and evening.
Significant hail observations in Queensland included:
- 8 - 10 cm diameter hail at Anderleigh
- 7 – 8 cm diameter hail at Sexton
- 6 – 8 cm diameter hail at Curra
- 4 cm diameter hail at Mt Kilcoy
Significant wind gust observations in Queensland included:
- 122km/h at Gayndah
- 100km/h at Hughenden
- 98km/h at Thangool Airport
- 94km/h at Maryborough
There should be cooler conditions for Queensland on Friday. The thunderstorm risk will shift north into the Capricornia and central Coast areas on Friday. Severe thunderstorms damaging wind gusts, large to giant hail and heavy rainfall are possible for these areas.
Meanwhile Victoria and south-east Australia are experiencing cooler than average conditions for this time of year.
Maximum temperatures in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and eastern South Australia will remain 4 to 12C below average on Friday with isolated showers clearing later in the day.
On Saturday, a high-pressure system will bring dry and mild conditions for most of south-east Australia except for central South Australia and western Victoria where maximum temperatures will be slightly above average.
Extreme to potentially catastrophic fire dangers are forecast for South Australia on Saturday.
Showers and thunderstorms are forecast for South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania on Sunday and moving into New South Wales on Monday. Generally light rainfall is expected, however moderate rain is possible around central and eastern Victoria and around the New South Wales south-west slopes. Locally heavy rainfall may be possible, and the Bureau will closely monitor Victoria's flood areas given already wet catchments.
Rainfall is expected over flood affected parts of New South Wales including the central west. The flood risk is low at this stage, but a Flood Watch assessment will be carried out today.
Communities are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings via the Bureau's website and BOM weather app and follow the advice of emergency service.
