Severe thunderstorms battering south-east Queensland

Severe thunderstorms are forecast to batter parts of south-east Queensland with damaging winds this afternoon.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Brisbane, Gold Coast, Redland City, Logan, Scenic Rim, Dalby, Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay areas at 12.53pm. 

"At 12.45 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Brisbane CBD and Logan City. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east," the BoM warning reads. 

Wind gusts of 81 km/h were recorded at Beaudesert, with damaging winds likely elsewhere, the BoM said. 

"[The storms] are forecast to affect Coolangatta, Beenleigh, Strathpine, Redcliffe and Caboolture by 1.15 pm and Cleveland, the area southwest of Caloundra and northern Bribie Island by 1.45 pm," the warning reads. 

A more general thunderstorm warning has been issued for the south-east coast region. 

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

* Move your car under cover or away from trees. 
* Secure loose outdoor items. 
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees. 
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm. 
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines. 
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.