At 4:26pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Ipswich, Fernvale, Marburg and the area south of Helidon.

They are forecast to affect Wacol, Helidon and Lake Manchester by 4:40pm and Grantham, Murphy’s Creek and Upper Brookfield by 5:10pm.

Damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones are likely.

Ten weather reporter Josh Holt said there was “rapid severe development” of the storms throughout southeast Queensland in the lead up to peak hour.

Rosewood line trains are suspended both directions between Ipswich and Rosewood stations due to severe weather. Customers can expect delays of up to 60 minutes.

TransLink also advises many of its bus routes are experiencing long delays due to heavy traffic congestion.

There are reports of golf-ball sized hail at Mount Silvia, south of Gatton, and of small hailstones in Esk and Ipswich

The next warning is due to be issued by 5.10pm.

Severe thunderstorms are also likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central Coast and Whitsundays, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Capricornia districts.

Locations which may be affected include Moranbah, Dysart and Nebo.

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.