Parts of south-east Queensland and northern NSW were being smashed by a severe thunderstorm bringing “giant hail”, heavy rain and lightning.

There were reports of hail bigger than 10 centimetres at Mount Cotton and Capalaba in Brisbane’s south-east, and at Cornubia in Logan, on Monday afternoon.

Meteorologists earlier warned residents in south-east Queensland and the NSW northern rivers to brace for severe thunderstorms, after parts of the region were smashed by large hail on Sunday.

In a warning posted to Facebook, Higgins Storm Chasing said “more frequent storms” would batter the region after Sunday’s “supercell” hit.

A large cluster of very dangerous supercells – five of them are located from Logan to Rathdowney. These very dangerous life threatening storms are moving towards the north and north-east,” it wrote.

“Giant hail up to 10 centimetres – multiple reports confirmed. Damaging [and] destructive winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning are likely.

“Locations likely to be impacted are northern Gold Coast region, Rathdowney, Canungra, Beaudesert, Cedar Vale, Mount Tamborine, Jimboomba, Beenleigh, Waterford, all of Logan, all of Redland City, South Brisbane, Southern Moreton Bay Island areas. Seek shelter immediately.”

Higgins Storm Chasing has posted a storm warning to Facebook. Giant hail hit over the weekend. Photos: InDailyQueensland

The Bureau of Meteorology had predicted showers and thunderstorms would lash much of Queensland on Monday, with the most intense activity forecast south of Rockhampton.

A spokesperson said thunderstorms over south-east Queensland were likely to be severe on Monday afternoon and into the evening with the potential for large to giant hail, damaging to destructive winds, and heavy rain.

“These may cause significant damage and disruptions to communities and they can stay up to date with the warnings on our website or app throughout today,” the statement said.

A similar forecast applies just south of the Tweed River.

“Thunderstorms developing across the northern coast and ranges, possibly becoming severe with damaging winds, large hail and localised heavy rainfall in the afternoon. Isolated very dangerous thunderstorms possible in the far north-east in the afternoon,” the bureau warned northern NSW residents.

The twin warnings come after significant storms brought large hail on Sunday causing widespread damage and a flight to be turned away from Brisbane Airport. Forecaster Weatherzone said Sunday’s drama was caused by a supercell that roared across the Scenic Rim and Logan regions shortly after sunset.

Meanwhile, there’s an extreme heatwave warning for much of Queensland’s northern half, with temperatures expected to hit the low to mid-40s in some places between now and Wednesday.

Republished from InDaily Queensland