The storms, concentrated in the south-west and south of Brisbane, caused havoc on the Ipswich Motorway, other major arterials and at Goodna, where local roads were inundated.

Heavy falls of up to 55 mm were recorded at Leslie Harrison Dam, Inala and Archerfield Airport.

The RACQ  pleaded with motorists not to drive through flood waters.

“Flash flooding can quickly cause damage to the road’s surface so you never know what you could be driving into if you take the risk,” spokeswoman Clare Hunter said.

“Fast moving water has the potential to claim lives, so if you come across a flooded road, no matter how often you drive on it, turn back.”

She urged motorists to drive to conditions in the heavy rain, which the Bureau of Meteorology expects will continue through the afternoon.

Late this morning, the bureau warned “severe thunderstorms with large hail, damaging gusts and heavy rainfall are possible this afternoon and evening across the southern interior, the Carnarvon Ranges, and in the southeast at any time today”.

This afternoon, it also issues a severe thunderstorm warning, with large hail and heavy rain expected across parts of the Channel Country, Maranoa and Warrego.