This afternoon, various regions across Queensland are on alert as they prepare for a series of severe storms coupled with heavy downpours expected over the coming days.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued alerts for intense, slow-moving thunderstorms predicted to unleash substantial rainfall across parts of the southeast coast, including Brisbane, Ipswich, Beenleigh, and Jimboomba, as well as Nambour and Kilcoy. The warnings also stretch to the Southern Downs and Toowoomba, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, and the Capricornia, Wide Bay and Burnett, Central Highlands, and Coalfields areas, covering locales such as Bundaberg, Calliope, and Baralaba.

There is a risk of heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding in these regions, with the additional threat of large hailstones particularly in the Darling Downs and Granite Belt.

The official warning states, “A highly moist atmosphere is currently present over much of the state, stemming from a low-pressure system and a developing monsoon over the Northern Territory.”

“In this moist and unstable environment, slow-moving severe thunderstorms have emerged over the southeast this afternoon, and they may continue throughout the afternoon and into the evening.”

Multiple roads are likely to be affected by flooding, with catchments already wet from recent rain.

And an initial flood watch warning has been issued for parts of north-west Queensland, due to the same trough.

“Riverine flooding is possible from Wednesday with road closures and community isolation likely,” the warning read.

The Bureau said flooding in the state’s south-west was not expected imminently but could be possible in the coming weeks as the extra water made its way downriver.