The Bureau of Meteorology’s 1 p.m. AEDT October 26 forecast transcript was checked alongside ABC’s local reporting. Rescue details are attributed to ABC; no on-site reporting was conducted. Forecast areas describe risk, rather than confirmed storm impacts at every location.
Risk extends from Coffs Harbour into Queensland
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology forecast another round of severe thunderstorms across north-east New South Wales and southern and central Queensland on October 26, with heavy rain capable of causing flash flooding, alongside damaging winds and large hail.
The bureau’s 1 p.m. AEDT update placed the more likely severe-storm areas from around Coffs Harbour towards the Queensland border, through the Darling Downs and into western Queensland. Brisbane was in the possible-risk area; the likelihood was higher farther west, including Toowoomba.
Major flood warnings covered the Upper Condamine River, Warrill Creek and Laidley Creek in that update. The bureau said storms would shift north on Tuesday, while parts of Queensland and central Australia would remain exposed later in the week.
Floodwater strands campers and closes roads
Six people were rescued from a campground at Leyburn in Queensland’s Southern Downs after two caravans were cut off by fast-moving water, ABC reported. The campers, aged 26 to 71, were brought out by about 11:15 a.m.; no injuries were reported.
ABC also reported road impacts around Laidley Creek and a warning from Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton against driving through floodwater. In Gympie, the council cautioned that receding water could leave damaged roads and bridges, including locations missing from its disaster dashboard.
Residents should consult the bureau’s latest local forecasts and warnings before travel, as the October 26 update advises.
Sources
2 references
- Bureau of MeteorologySevere weather update: Further severe thunderstorms for Qld and NSWPrimary forecast and published transcript · 2026-10-26, 13:00 AEDT
- ABC NewsStranded campers rescued as thunderstorms threaten south-east QueenslandIndependent local reporting, including rescue details and official interviews · 2026-10-26
