THE worst storms so far this season are expected to smash southeast Queensland.
8am update: Gusty winds of 90km/h and hail stones are expected to rip across the southeast this afternoon.
The Bureau of Meteorology has not yet issued a severe weather warning but forecaster Mark Trenorden said storms were expected to develop from the Darling Downs to the southeast district today.
"There's a trough approaching the Darling Downs and showers and thunderstorms will develop east of that trough this afternoon," he said.
STORM WARNING: Cyclone threat to state
"We can expect scattered and isolated showers this afternoon and some of them are likely to be severe."
It is predicted there could be some localised flash flooding.
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The strong winds, bursts of rain and hail are expected to hit early this afternoon between 1pm and 2pm despite Brisbane's heat, the capital hitting 31 degrees today.
It is expected the severe weather could extend as far as Wide Bay Burnett region this evening.
Emergency crews are on standby.
Earlier, The Courier-Mail reported residents have been warned to spend Tuesday morning preparing their properties for storms.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Matthew Bass said the same trough that brought damaging winds that lashed south-western Queensland on Monday afternoon would continue tracking toward the coast on Tuesday.
Severe thunderstorms are due to hit Roma and Goondiwindi from late Tuesday morning, followed by Toowoomba and then coastal areas in the afternoon and evening.
"We can expect wind gusts of 90km/h or more and large hail is definitely a possibility,'' Mr Bass said.
Gales of that speed are strong enough to snap branches off trees and strip tiles from roofs, he said.
Emergency Management Queensland warned residents to take precautions by taking garden furniture inside and securing items that cannot be moved undercover, such as trampolines and swing sets.
Director of disaster management Brian Cox said electrical items, external television and radio aerials, and computer modems should be disconnected, ahead of the storms.
"When the storms strike, stay inside and shelter well clear of windows, doors and skylights,'' Mr Cox said - adding that if you have to be outside, seek solid enclosed shelter and stay well away from trees and power lines.
Forecasters expect more storms for the southeast on Wednesday, with conditions easing on Thursday ahead of a sunny and hot weekend.
Anyone who needs assistance should call the State Emergency Service on 132 500.
- reporting by Daryl Passmore, Brittany Vonow
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