Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall in Central Coast, Whitsundays, and Capricornia

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a “Top Priority” Severe Thunderstorm Warning for heavy rainfall. The alert, identified as IDQ21033, was issued at 3:48 pm on Thursday, 19 February 2026, for residents in the Central East region of Queensland.

Affected Areas

The warning covers parts of the following forecast districts:

• Central Coast and Whitsundays
• Central Highlands and Coalfields
• Capricornia

Specific locations that may be impacted by these storms include Moranbah, Eungella, and Nebo.

What You Should Do

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

• Go inside a strong building now and stay inside until the storm has passed.
• Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
• Park your car undercover and away from trees.
• Close all doors and windows.
• Keep asthma medications close by, as 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.
• Tell friends, family, and neighbours in the area about the warning.

Expected Conditions

A trough and moist airmass are producing thunderstorms across parts of the state this afternoon. These slow-moving thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 3:48 pm Thursday, 19 February 2026. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is expected to be issued by 6:50 pm. Residents are encouraged to monitor local TV and radio broadcasts or check the official BOM website for further updates.