Residents in South-east Queensland should prepare for intense weather conditions as severe thunderstorms are expected to impact areas including Ipswich, Somerset, the Lockyer Valley, and the Sunshine Coast. Authorities have issued warnings for these regions as the storms approach.

Currently, thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and large hail have been tracked moving in a north-eastern direction from Coolum Beach on the Sunshine Coast towards Noosa Heads. Additionally, the storm front extends from Eumundi to Tewantin and around Moore and Linville in the Somerset Region. Areas such as Helidon, Gatton, Grantham, Linville, Laidley, Grandchester, and Mulgowie are also in the path of these severe weather conditions as they progress southeast.

In a broader alert, a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of the Wide Bay and Burnett, Darling Downs, Granite Belt, and Southeast Coast districts, signaling that these regions should also remain vigilant.

Ben Domensino from Weatherzone has cautioned that the intensity of these storms is expected to increase on Saturday. “Storms could develop early in the morning over eastern parts of NSW and Queensland on Saturday, before becoming more widespread and intense during the afternoon into the evening,” Domensino explained, advising residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

“Storms could develop early in the morning over eastern parts of NSW and Queensland on Saturday, before becoming more widespread and intense during the afternoon into the evening,” Domensino said.

“Saturday’s storms will be most active between central eastern Qld and central NSW, which could include both Brisbane and Sydney.

“Supercell thunderstorms are possible on Saturday, and isolated tornadoes can’t be ruled out.”

Some areas may see a thunderstorm each day for up to six days, he said.

The thunderstorms are the result of an an upper-level through that may culminate in several days of rain across central, eastern and southeastern Australia early next week.