Urgent safety message: SEQ residents should stay home this afternoon

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has urged south east Queensland residents to stay home this afternoon with a severe thunderstorm warning current.

"This is an extraordinary weather event and it should be treated very seriously. I urge everyone to stay home if safe to do so, and call for help if you need it," the Premier said.

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The Bureau of Meteorology warns that very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Brisbane CBD and Strathpine. These thunderstorms are slow moving.

Intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is likely.

Heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.

117mm was recorded at Kippa-Ring in 1 hour to 11am

71mm has been recorded in 1 hour at Woody Point to 11am

52mm has been recorded in 30 minutes at Murrumba Downs to 10:30am.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advises that people should:

* Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If it's flooded, forget it.

* 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.