Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Queensland TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall for parts of Central West, Wide Bay and Burnett, Maranoa and Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Southeast Coast Forecast Districts. Issued at 7:01 pm Saturday, 7 March 2026. Locally heavy falls with thunderstorms across parts of the central and southern inland to the Fraser Coast. Weather Situation A trough extends southeastwards from the a tropical low over northwestern Queensland into the southern inland of the state and to the Fraser Coast area. A very humid and unstable tropical airmass is in place across the eastern tropics, and is being drawn southwards into the trough across southern Queensland in persistent northern flow. HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas: Central Highlands and Coalfields, Central West, Wide Bay and Burnett, Maranoa and Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt and Southeast Coast Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Gympie, Kingaroy, Rainbow Beach, Cherbourg, Tambo and Tiaro. Note that a separate Severe Weather Warning is in place over parts of this area valid for Sunday when heavy rainfall is expected to become more widespread. 95 mm was recorded at Marodian in the 3 hours to 6:20 pm 59 mm was recorded at Rocky Creek in the 60 minutes to 6:45 pm 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 10:05 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.