Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for North West and Channel Country, Queensland

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDQ21033) for heavy rainfall. This is a top-priority alert for immediate broadcast, issued at 2:30 pm Saturday, 28 February 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning covers parts of the North West and Channel Country Forecast Districts. Specific locations that may be affected include:

• Mount Isa
• Boulia
• Urandangi
• Dajarra
• Duchess
• Glenormiston

What You Should Do

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

• Go inside a strong building immediately and stay there until the storm has passed.
• Do not drive unless necessary, as conditions are dangerous.
• Park vehicles undercover and away from trees.
• Close all doors and windows.
• Keep asthma medications close by, as storms and wind can trigger attacks.
• Charge mobile phones and power banks in case of power outages.
• Secure pets in a safe place and ensure they have identification.
• Inform friends, family, and neighbors in the area about the warning.

Expected Conditions

A moist airmass is generating severe thunderstorms along a convergent line in the west of the state. These storms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding within the warning area over the next several hours.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 2:30 pm on Saturday, 28 February 2026. The situation is developing, and the next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 5:30 pm.