Hail reaches seven centimetres as storms hit south-east Queensland
The Bureau of Meteorology warned of destructive winds and possible flash flooding, while police urged drivers to avoid floodwaters after three rescues.
Storms brought hail measuring up to seven centimetres to south-east Queensland on 27 October, prompting warnings of potentially destructive winds, further large hail and rain that could cause flash flooding.
The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed hail measuring between three and seven centimetres at Ripley, Mudgeeraba, Yamanto and Flinders View. Those reports were recorded from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
The bureau's severe thunderstorm warning covered Logan and parts of the council areas of Ipswich, Gold Coast, Brisbane City and Scenic Rim. Separate warnings also applied to parts of three forecast districts: Central Highlands and Coalfields, Wide Bay and Burnett, and Southeast Coast.
Gold Coast chief lifeguard William Ashley urged people not to enter the water during storms, noting that water conducts electricity. Beaches close during storms.
Police also urged motorists to keep out of floodwaters after three people needed rescuing in separate Darling Downs incidents. At Talgai, north of Warwick, a 60-year-old man freed himself after becoming stuck and was rescued by Queensland Fire and Rescue Swiftwater crews.
An 18-year-old woman allegedly entered floodwaters while driving in Warwick. In Ellengowan, swiftwater crews brought a 57-year-old man to safety shortly before 7am after he became stranded at about 2.30am.
