Weather news: Rare supercells and squall lines threaten multiple states
Severe storms and supercells are causing widespread damage across Queensland and South Australia. Meteorologists warn of continued heavy rain, giant hail, and destructive winds throughout the weekend.
Why it matters
Extreme weather events are disrupting infrastructure and travel, posing significant safety risks to residents in multiple Australian states.
- 10.06am . First published October 23, 2026 - 10.45pm
shares Share article A slow-moving super storm has wreaked havoc in Queensland for days, sparking hundreds of SES callouts.
The SES received 124 calls for help on Friday night, with the majority of calls around the Sunshine Coast region.
A severe storm dumped almost three times more rain than what the Bureau of Meteorology had forecast for Thursday in just a few hours in Queensland. Supplied
The area has recorded rainfall totals of 289mm this month, more than three times the October average of 90mm, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
It has been a wetter than average start to the storm season in the state and residents are not in the clear just yet.
Airlines are already preparing for potential impacts from Sunday.
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