If you’ve been watching the sky over Southeast Queensland this afternoon, you’re not imagining things—thunderstorms are rolling through, and they’re moving fast. The Bureau of Meteorology has multiple cells tracked on radar right now, with several areas bracing for impact within the hour.

4 related posts

Thunderstorms detected: 4:30 pm on radar ·
Forecast impact: Eumundi by 7:15 pm ·
24h top rainfall: 55mm Dunwich ·
Next rainfall: 35mm Palm Beach ·
Southerly change: Tomorrow morning

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether additional Severe Thunderstorm Warnings will be issued for areas beyond the current 5 pm forecast zone
  • Exact flood impacts from ongoing rainfall in low-lying Brisbane suburbs
  • Whether the southerly change arriving tomorrow will intensify existing storm cells or clear them out
3Timeline signal
  • 4:30 pm — Storms detected southwest of Caloundra, north of Noosa Heads, Mud Island
  • 4:45 pm — Redcliffe, Noosa Heads, and offshore waters expected to be affected
  • 5:00 pm — Northwest Noosa Heads, Beachmere, and Tewantin forecast impact
  • Tomorrow morning — Southerly change with potential damaging winds
4What’s next
  • BoM will continue radar monitoring throughout the evening (Bureau of Meteorology)
  • Additional warnings likely if storms meet damaging wind, large hail, or flash-flood thresholds (Bureau of Meteorology)
  • Brisbane forecast: partly cloudy, showers easing afternoon, top of 25°C (Bureau of Meteorology)
Metric Value
Active Thunderstorms Detected 4:30 pm radar
Forecast Hit Time Eumundi 7:15 pm
24h Max Rain 55mm North Stradbroke Island
Wind Outlook Strong southerly change morning
Brisbane Temperature 25°C maximum
Damaging Wind Threshold 90 km/h or more

Is there a cyclone coming to Queensland today?

No tropical cyclone is currently tracked in Southeast Queensland waters, according to the Bureau of Meteorology live Thunderstorm Tracker. What the region is experiencing instead are active thunderstorm cells—several of them—moving through the area this afternoon and evening.

Tropical cyclone forecast from BoM

The Bureau of Meteorology maintains that its radars constantly monitor for thunderstorm development across Southeast Queensland. The current system does not meet tropical cyclone criteria. However, the Thunderstorm Tracker pilot for the Brisbane area shows current storm positions with 10, 20, and 30-minute forecasts, giving residents a window into where cells are heading next.

The upshot

Queensland residents should distinguish between the active thunderstorms tracked this afternoon and any separate tropical cyclone activity—the two are meteorologically distinct, and only the thunderstorm warnings currently apply to Southeast Queensland.

What part of Queensland is Cyclone Alfred going to hit?

Tropical Cyclone Alfred was a separate weather system that affected parts of Queensland, with South East Queensland among the impacted regions. The current storm activity tracked this afternoon is not connected to that system—it consists of separate thunderstorm cells being monitored in real-time by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Cyclone Alfred impact areas

Historical records and Bureau of Meteorology cyclone databases document that when Cyclone Alfred made landfall or affected the region, specific coastal and inland areas of South East Queensland experienced impacts. The current thunderstorm cells are being tracked separately and carry their own forecast trajectories independent of any historical cyclone data.

Predicted path

Based on the Bureau of Meteorology Thunderstorm Tracker, cells detected at 4:30 pm near southwest of Caloundra, north of Noosa Heads, and Mud Island are forecast to reach Redcliffe, Noosa Heads, and offshore waters by 4:45 pm, with Beachmere and Tewantin expected by 5:00 pm.

Why this matters

Confusing current thunderstorm tracks with historical cyclone paths can lead residents to prepare for the wrong type of weather event—thunderstorm warnings carry different safety guidance than tropical cyclone alerts.

How much rain has Brisbane had in the last 24 hours today?

Rainfall totals across the Brisbane area and surrounding regions vary significantly depending on location, with some spots receiving substantial falls while others stayed relatively dry.

Recent rainfall totals

The Bureau of Meteorology daily observations for Brisbane in April 2026 record rainfall amounts across the metropolitan area. Among the highest 24-hour totals: Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island recorded 55mm, while Palm Beach saw 35mm and Burleigh Waters received 31mm. These figures represent the most significant falls from the current weather system moving through the region.

The Bureau of Meteorology national forecast indicates rainfall up to 5mm is possible along the east coast, with higher isolated falls expected in the southeast and near Cairns. For Brisbane specifically, the forecast for April 28 shows partly cloudy conditions with showers through the morning easing in the afternoon, and a maximum temperature of 25°C.

When was the last cyclone to hit Southeast Queensland?

Southeast Queensland has a documented history of tropical cyclone impacts, though direct hits on the Brisbane metropolitan area are relatively infrequent. Historical records from Bureau of Meteorology archives and The Weather Chaser document several significant events over recent decades.

Previous events like Zoe

Tropical Cyclone Zoe, one of the most intense storms recorded in the Australian region, crossed through the southeast portion of Queensland. More recently, other systems have brought damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges to coastal communities. The Bureau of Meteorology maintains comprehensive records that residents can consult for specific historical impacts by location.

Editor’s note

The distinction between past cyclone impacts and current thunderstorm activity matters for practical preparation—thunderstorm warnings focus on immediate, short-duration hazards while cyclone preparations typically involve longer lead times but more sustained conditions.

Will Brisbane flood during Cyclone Alfred?

The current thunderstorm system has already produced significant rainfall across parts of the Brisbane region, raising questions about flooding potential in vulnerable suburbs.

Suburbs at risk

Low-lying areas of Brisbane have historically been susceptible to flash flooding during intense rainfall events. The Bureau of Meteorology rain radar and weather maps show current precipitation patterns across the region, allowing residents to assess whether their area is under active cells. Suburbs with poor drainage, proximity to creeks, or a history of inundation should monitor warnings closely as these thunderstorms pass through.

Flood history

Brisbane has experienced significant flooding events tied to both cyclone remnants and intense thunderstorm activity. The Bureau of Meteorology daily observations track rainfall amounts that contribute to understanding current saturation levels. Combined with tomorrow’s forecast southerly change bringing potential damaging winds, the risk of additional flooding or storm damage exists but depends on how the system evolves through the evening.

What to watch

For Brisbane residents: the combination of already-saturated ground from today’s 55mm at Dunwich and the incoming southerly change means storm damage and flooding risks remain elevated through tomorrow morning—the situation warrants active monitoring via official channels.

How to track these storms in real time

Staying ahead of rapidly moving thunderstorms requires knowing where to look and what tools are available.

BoM Thunderstorm Tracker

The Bureau of Meteorology Thunderstorm Tracker is the definitive tool for Southeast Queensland. This pilot displays current storm positions with 10, 20, and 30-minute forecast positions, showing where cells are and where they’re headed. The Bureau of Meteorology Queensland radar page provides access to all Queensland radar sites including the Brisbane radar.

Additional radar resources

For residents wanting additional context, Weatherzone offers animated Queensland radar with future predictions extending 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours ahead. The Bureau of Meteorology national rain radar and weather maps cover rain, wind, and wave data across Australia including Southeast Queensland. The Weather Chaser provides live BoM radar, HD satellite imagery, and real-time observations. Oz Forecast storm tracker fuses Queensland radar, satellite, lightning, and bushfire hotspot data.

BOM Weather app

The Bureau of Meteorology Weather app provides free, ad-free access to live radar, hourly forecasts, 7-day outlooks, and official warnings. The app allows push notifications for up to three locations, so residents can receive alerts for their home, workplace, and any other priority area.

The trade-off

Radar tools give you the “where” of storms, but they don’t tell you severity—checking the Bureau of Meteorology for Severe Thunderstorm Warnings alongside the radar closes that gap. Damaging wind gusts of 90 km/h or more, hail of 2cm diameter or larger, and very heavy rainfall capable of flash flooding all trigger these warnings.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning thresholds

Understanding what triggers a Severe Thunderstorm Warning helps residents know when conditions become dangerous.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, warnings are issued when conditions meet one or more of the following criteria: damaging wind gusts of 90 km/h or more, large hail of 2cm diameter or greater, very heavy rainfall conducive to flash flooding, or tornado formation. The national forecast for April 28 indicates possible thunderstorms for southeast Queensland and Capricornia, with strong winds forecast for coastal waters from Townsville to Bundaberg.

The Bureau of Meteorology Southeast Coast forecast calls for partly cloudy conditions with a high chance of coastal showers, medium chance elsewhere, and thunderstorms near the coast during the afternoon. South-easterly winds are bringing slightly below-average maximum temperatures to the region.

Timeline of today’s storm activity

Time Event
4:30 pm Thunderstorms detected southwest of Caloundra, north of Noosa Heads, and Mud Island on radar
4:45 pm Storms forecast to affect Redcliffe, Noosa Heads, and waters off Noosa Heads
5:00 pm Storms expected to reach northwest Noosa Heads, Beachmere, and Tewantin
7:15 pm Forecast impact at Eumundi
Overnight 55mm rain recorded at Dunwich during active storm period
Tomorrow morning Southerly change arriving with potential damaging winds

What we know for certain

  • Thunderstorms were detected on BoM radar at 4:30 pm near Caloundra, Noosa Heads, and Mud Island
  • Storms were forecast to reach Redcliffe and Noosa Heads by 4:45 pm, Beachmere and Tewantin by 5:00 pm
  • Maximum 24-hour rainfall of 55mm recorded at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island
  • Brisbane forecast maximum temperature of 25°C for April 28
  • Damaging wind threshold for Severe Thunderstorm Warnings is 90 km/h
  • A southerly change is forecast to arrive tomorrow morning

What remains unclear

  • Whether additional Severe Thunderstorm Warnings will be issued as the evening progresses
  • Exact flood impacts in specific Brisbane suburbs from ongoing rainfall
  • Whether the southerly change will intensify or dissipate current storm cells
  • Whether tornadoes form within any current thunderstorm cells
  • Whether any further tropical cyclone development occurs in Queensland waters this season

What experts are saying

Damaging wind gusts (90 km/h or more), large hail (2cm diameter or more), very heavy rainfall (conducive to flash flooding), tornadoes—these are the conditions that trigger Severe Thunderstorm Warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology.

— Bureau of Meteorology official severe weather guidance

For Brisbane, a partly cloudy day, showers through the morning, gradually easing through the afternoon with a top of 25°C. Showers along the east coast of Queensland, with possible thunderstorms in the southeast.

— Bureau of Meteorology forecaster in national weather forecast video

The Bureau of Meteorology constantly monitors all of its radars to detect thunderstorms in Southeast Queensland.

— Bureau of Meteorology radar operations statement

The pattern here is clear: the Bureau of Meteorology has both the tools to track these storms and the thresholds clearly defined for when they become dangerous. What remains uncertain is whether tonight’s cells will intensify enough to trigger expanded warnings.

For Brisbane residents, the situation is active but manageable with the right information. The combination of already-accumulated rainfall (up to 55mm in some eastern suburbs), ongoing storm cells, and tomorrow’s forecast southerly change means the weather picture remains fluid through at least mid-morning Wednesday. Checking the Bureau of Meteorology Thunderstorm Tracker and enabling push notifications through the BOM Weather app are the two most practical steps anyone in the affected area can take right now.

Related reading: Australia Weather News – Severe Storms and Cyclone Alerts

Additional sources

youtube.com, pageeuropean.co.nz, youtube.com, bom.gov.au, youtube.com, bom.gov.au

While monitoring thunderstorms near Caloundra and Noosa, keep tabs on the Cyclone Alfred live tracker as the Category 4 system advances along the eastern seaboard.

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Frequently asked questions

What areas of QLD are at risk of cyclones?

Tropical cyclones typically affect Queensland’s coastal regions from Townsville northward, though Southeast Queensland has experienced cyclone impacts historically. The current thunderstorm activity is not a cyclone and is being tracked separately by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Where is the Southeastern Queensland storm tracker?

The primary tracker is the Bureau of Meteorology Thunderstorm Tracker for Brisbane, which shows current storm positions and 10, 20, and 30-minute forecasts. Additional tools include Weatherzone radar and the BoM Queensland radar hub.

What is the Southeastern Queensland storm map?

The Bureau of Meteorology rain radar and weather maps provide interactive maps showing precipitation across Southeast Queensland in real-time. The Thunderstorm Tracker overlays forecast positions on this base map.

Is there a super storm warning for QLD today?

As of the latest available data, no “super storm” warning has been issued. The Bureau of Meteorology is tracking active thunderstorms and will issue Severe Thunderstorm Warnings if conditions meet damaging wind (90 km/h+), large hail (2cm+), or flash-flooding thresholds.

When was Cyclone Alfred?

Cyclone Alfred was a tropical cyclone that affected parts of Queensland, with South East Queensland among the impacted regions. The current thunderstorm activity is separate from that system. Historical cyclone data is available through the Bureau of Meteorology cyclone archives.

Which suburbs flooded in Brisbane historically?

Brisbane has experienced flooding in various suburbs during significant weather events. The Bureau of Meteorology daily observations and rain radar data can help residents assess current flood risk for their specific area.

How do I get storm warnings on my phone?

Download the Bureau of Meteorology Weather app, which is free and ad-free. Configure push notifications for up to three locations to receive Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and other alerts directly to your device.