Severe storm warning issued for Australia *

November 25, 2007 03:52pm
Article from: AAP

SEVERE thunderstorms with hailstones big enough to damage cars are
forecast to hit parts of southern Queensland in the next few hours.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for
the Maranoa and Warrego regions, with very heavy rainfall, flash
flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds expected to hit over the
next few hours.

Among the centres expected to be affected are Thargomindah, Charleville,
Cunnamulla, Blackall, Wyandra and Augathella, the bureau said.

Residents are urged to move their cars under cover, to stay indoors and
watch for falling trees and power lines.

The forecast storms follow heavy rainfalls in parts of southeast
Queensland yesterday that saw the township of Jandowae temporarily
isolated and voters unable to reach polling booths.

The township, about 50km north of Dalby, was isolated for most of the
day as 200mm of rain fell in the catchment area, forcing roads to be closed.

A spokesman from the State Emergency Service (SES) said today
floodwaters in the area peaked about 11am (AEST) yesterday, and there
was little to no property damage caused.

"There was 60 houses affected, but all that happened was the houses were
raised and the water just flowed underneath them," the spokesman said.

The rainfall also has played havoc with voting, with polling officially
adjourned at Karara in the Maranoa electorate, Australian Electoral
Commission Queensland state manager Anne Bright said.

"The heavens opened up over drought-stricken Queensland which was really
good but it opened up on polling day," Ms Bright told AAP.

"And it meant that we couldn't get this polling place open which meant
staff couldn't get to it to operate it, but more importantly the voters
couldn't get there either."

Ms Bright said arrangements would be made in coming days to ensure the
69 voters affected by the closure were able to cast their vote.

The votes will not affect the outcome of the seat, which was won
comfortably by sitting Nationals MP Bruce Scott with a 62 per cent
majority at the latest count.

Localised flooding had also delayed the return of votes to headquarters
from areas including Thargomindah, Eulo, Cunnamulla and Quilpie, with
the ballots to be airlifted back to Brisbane.