Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Capricornia, Wide Bay, and Burnett Districts

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDQ21033) for heavy and locally intense rainfall. This is a top-priority alert for immediate broadcast.

Affected Areas

The warning covers parts of the Capricornia and Wide Bay and Burnett Forecast Districts. Specifically, very dangerous thunderstorms are impacting inland parts of the Gladstone region. Locations likely to be affected include Calliope and Miriam Vale.

What You Should Do

Emergency services advise residents in the warning area to take the following actions:

• Seek Shelter: Go inside a strong building immediately and stay there until the storm passes.
• Vehicle Safety: Park cars undercover and away from trees. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary due to dangerous conditions.
• Health and Communication: Keep asthma medications close, as storms and wind can trigger attacks. Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Family and Pets: Ensure children are with a trusted adult. Place pets in a safe location where they can be identified if lost.
• Secure Property: Close all doors and windows.

Expected Conditions

A trough extending from a low-pressure system near Emerald is generating showers and thunderstorms. These storms are producing heavy to locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding. Recent observations recorded 82 mm of rainfall at Westwood Range within a single hour (ending at 1:27 AM).

Timeline

The alert was issued at 1:43 pm on Monday, 9 March 2026. The dangerous conditions are expected to persist over the next several hours. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 4:45 pm.