'Snow storm' slams into Toowoomba

UPDATE: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Toowoomba, the Lockyer Valley and south-east Queensland.

The warning was issued about 1.25pm about 90 minutes after an intense hail storm hit the Toowoomba region, leaving the Garden City covered in a thick layer of snow-like ice.

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The Bureau of Meteorology warns that "slow moving storms may produce large amounts of small hail, which may lead drainage problems and dangerous road conditions.

"Locations which may be affected include Toowoomba, Clifton and Warwick."

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12.30PM: A hail storm has swept over Toowoomba, leaving many yards in a thick layer of ice that looked more like snow.

Almost half an hour of heavy rain followed the hail storm, which sent small hailstones falling across the Garden City at about 11.45am.

There was no warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Authorities were forecasting the possibility of an afternoon storm today.

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EARLIER: A severe hail storm slammed into communities just north-west of Toowoomba last night.

Heavy hail was reported at Meringandan about 8.05pm.

Higgins Storm Chasing reported: "Locals are describing (the storm) as crazy and unbelievable as the small but intense storm lasted 20 minutes".

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Meanwhile, Toowoomba and Darling Downs residents have been treated to unseasonal display of thunder and lightning.

A series of storms swept over the region late last night.

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Several lightning strikes were reported and thunder could be heard in Toowoomba and across the Darling Downs about 8.20pm.

Despite the storms, only minor rainfall was recorded.

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