Queenslanders are hunkering down amid a Christmas Day warning for large hailstones, torrential rain, and possible flash flooding in the state’s southern interior
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning on Monday for parts of Maranoa and Warrego and Darling Downs and Granite Belt forecast districts.
“Severe thunderstorms are developing along this trough and will gradually move east throughout the afternoon and evening,” it said.
Affected towns included Roma, Charleville, St George, Mitchell, Augathella, and Surat.
The Bureau said damaging winds were also possible over several hours.
Overnight, some areas near the NSW border recorded hail 10 centimetres in diameter.
Hundreds of people remained without power on Christmas afternoon, after the severe weather impacted infrastructure.
A trough over western Queensland will deepen and move slowly east across the central and the southern part of the state over the next few days.
The bureau also forecast isolated to scattered showers in most areas for Monday, apart from the far southwest.
Severe heat is expected in the northern interior and northwest, with maximum temperatures well above average.
Further north, the clean-up after ex-tropical cyclone Jasper and flooding continues although Deputy Premier Cameron Dick urged travellers to continue with plans to visit the region.
Overnight, five people were rescued after their vehicle went into flood water on Leichhardt Highway.
All were unhurt.
Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd said visitors could play their part in the recovery by heeding directions from emergency personnel.
“We have thousands of QFES staff and volunteers working over the festive season and the best gift we can give them, is to keep ourselves safe as we celebrate with loved ones,” she said.
“My thoughts are also with Queenslanders impacted by floods in Far North Queensland and everyone who is working to help communities get back up and running.”
More than 4,200 property damage assessments have been completed since Cyclone Jasper delivered heavy rain and damaging winds.
Twelve homes have been confirmed as destroyed, 126 properties are severely damaged, and 554 moderately so.
Close to 9,000 residents have received financial assistance payments.
