Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Queensland TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Damaging Winds for parts of Central West, Channel Country, Maranoa and Warrego and Central Highlands and Coalfields Forecast Districts. Issued at 10:16 pm Wednesday, 14 October 2026. Damaging winds in the central west. Weather Situation A trough combines with a moist and unstable airmass to produce severe thunderstorms in the central west. DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Channel Country and Maranoa and Warrego Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, Isisford, Tambo and Evesham Station. 111km/h wind gust was recorded at Long Reach at 22:03pm. 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 1:20 am Thursday. 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.