Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Queensland TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Damaging Winds, Large Hailstones And Heavy Rainfall for parts of Central West Forecast District. Issued at 5:30 pm Saturday, 17 October 2026. Severe thunderstorms about the interior of the state. Weather Situation Slow moving thunderstorms have developed in a moist environment about a surface trough in the interior of the state. DAMAGING WINDS, LARGE HAILSTONES and HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas: Central West Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Longreach, Barcaldine, Muttaburra, Evesham Station and Ilfracombe. Emergency services advise people to: * Park your car undercover away from trees. * Close doors and windows. * Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks. * Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out. * Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost. * Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous. * Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area. * Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed. The next warning is due to be issued by 8:30 pm. Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and emergency services would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.