Severe Weather Event in South-East Queensland Signals the Start of Queensland's Storm Season

Yesterday afternoon, severe thunderstorms moved across South-East Queensland, leaving widespread damage and disruption in their wake. In just six hours, more than 100 millimetres of rain fell at Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast, with an astonishing 86 millimetres recorded in a single hour. Hailstones up to 7cm in size were reported, turning roads into rivers of ice and causing chaos during peak hour traffic.

The effects of this storm were particularly felt in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, where hail and heavy rain caused significant damage. Morayfield, north of the city, saw the ceilings of both a Woolworths supermarket and a martial arts business collapse under the weight of the sudden downpour.

Lightning hits Brisbane as storms move through (image from Storm Chaser - Justin Noonan)

These events serve as a powerful reminder that the storm season has only just begun, and storms of this magnitude highlight the importance of accurate and timely information. Early warning and effective preparation are essential for individuals and businesses to mitigate the impacts of severe weather.

At Early Warning Network, we understand the unique challenges that severe weather presents to our clients. Yesterday's event highlights how we go above and beyond standard warnings to ensure the safety of our clients. While the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued a warning at 4:18 pm, it did not cover the Moreton Bay LGA, an area severely impacted by the storms. Recognising the risks, our team took swift action to extend the BoM’s alert to include the Moreton Bay region.

EWN polygons showing severe weather alerts (red) and hail alerts (green)

Through EWN's partnership with Weatherwatch, our ops team issued hail alerts for the Mt Pleasant area at 5:13 pm and Caboolture at 5:34 pm, well ahead of the storm's peak intensity. This proactive approach gave our clients vital lead time to protect themselves and their assets. By offering localised, timely alerts in high-risk regions such as Lockyer, Logan, Ipswich, Somerset, and Tweed Shire, we ensure our services are always tailored to meet specific needs, even when formal warnings fall short.

Our services, including custom flood alerts, location-specific severe weather alerts, weather briefings, and social media updates, are all part of our commitment to helping communities stay safe. Every alert we send is thoroughly quality-checked, verified, and validated to ensure it reaches our clients well before the severe weather strikes.

As storm season progresses, it’s essential for communities to be prepared. This week marks Get Ready Week in Queensland, a timely reminder to check how your local council is helping you get ready for the months ahead.

If your business or community could benefit from our early warning services and tailored severe weather alerts, reach out to us today and let’s discuss how we can support you in managing severe weather risks.