Flash floods predicted for Queensland

Flash flooding in Toowoomba, Queensland in January. Photo / Bev Lacey

Severe storms are battering southeast Queensland, with emergency services warning residents that conditions will worsen and to prepare their homes.

Flash flooding, hailstones, damaging winds and very heavy rainfall are being predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology over the next few hours.

Areas affected include the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, Dalby, Maroochydore, Gympie and Kingaroy.

About 6000 homes are without power in South Burnett and about 8000 had earlier been without power in the Dalby area. It has since been restored to most of the affected properties in and around Dalby.

Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) is advising residents in affected areas to move their cars under cover or away from trees, secure loose outdoor items, shelter and secure animals, and avoid driving or walking through floodwaters.

EMQ says residents should listen to their local radio for further advice.

Toowoomba police say there is local flooding in the CBD following heavy rain. There is water under the bridge at Bridge Street and between Mort and Ruthven Streets.

Water is also rising at McDougal and South Streets.

Toowoomba Police say the storm is heading for Ipswich and Brisbane.

- AAP