Wild weather is set to dampen plans for Halloween trick-or-treaters with a severe thunderstorm warning issued for the Gold Coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology says destructive winds, large hailstones, and heavy rainfall are impacting parts of the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim.
Locals in Tweed Heads are reporting giant hailstones as of 5pm.
“The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:10 pm, VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS likely to produce destructive winds, giant hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Mapleton and Yandina,” the BOM says.
“These thunderstorms are moving towards the north to northeast. They are forecast to affect Eumundi, waters off Tweed Heads and the area northwest of Mapleton by 5:25 pm and the area southwest of Noosa Heads, the area west of Noosa Heads and Cooroy by 5:40 pm.”
“Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds, large, possibly giant hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Rathdowney. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east to northeast. They are forecast to affect Murgon by 5:25 pm and Goomeri and Lamington National Park by 5:40 pm.
IMAGE: Bureau of Meteorology
Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Pack away, secure or tie down outdoor furniture, toys and trampolines if it s safe to do so.
* Stay away from windows if there is giant hail.
* 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.
