Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall Issued for Channel Country, QLD

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for heavy rainfall. This is a top priority alert for immediate broadcast, classified under the major warning group type (IDQ21033).

Affected Areas

The warning is currently in effect for people in parts of the Channel Country Forecast District in Queensland. Specific locations that may be affected include Birdsville and areas developing to the west of Birdsville.

What You Should Do

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

• Seek Shelter: Go inside a strong building immediately and stay inside until the storm has passed.
• Vehicle Safety: Park your car undercover and away from trees. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary as conditions are dangerous.
• Home Preparation: Close all doors and windows. Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Health and Pets: Keep asthma medications close by, as storms and wind can trigger attacks. Ensure pets are in a safe place and properly identified.
• Communication: Notify friends, family, and neighbors in the area about the current threat.

Expected Conditions

A very moist airmass combined with a surface trough is generating heavy falls this afternoon. Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 4:20 pm Sunday, 1 March 2026. The hazardous conditions are expected to persist through the afternoon. The next official update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 7:20 pm.