Thousands lose power as storms hit SEQ, with region bracing for more severe weather

After a morning of blue skies, residents across south-east Queensland are preparing for more extreme conditions that could continue into the night after thousands have already lost power.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued an alert at midday on Saturday warning of widespread hazardous weather and severe thunderstorms across parts of Queensland from about 1pm this afternoon.

Areas at risk include the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, the Wide Bay and Burnett region, Darling Downs and Warwick.

Storms roll into Brisbane on Saturday afternoon. Credit: Courtney Kruk

Towns south of Toowoomba reported giant hailstones in the early afternoon, with residents urged to seek shelter.

Heavy rain, thunder and lightning struck Brisbane’s CBD and surrounding suburbs around 3pm, leaving thousand