Severe storms batter flood-ravaged region

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FROM:http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/severe-storms-batter-floodravaged-region-20110119-19w2f.html[size=1.2em]The flood-ravaged Lockyer Valley and Ipswich regions were hit by severe thunderstorms tonight, with very heavy rainfall detected near Gatton.
[size=1.2em]The storm cell skirted Brisbane's CBD before passing through the northern suburbs.
[size=1.2em]Heavy rainfall rates of 52mm in 30 minutes were observed at Romani, southeast of Ipswich.
[size=1.2em]Weatherzone: Brisbane storm tracker


[size=1.2em]The bureau had also previously reported rainfall rates of 60mm an hour, and 40mm per half hour, near Tenthill, southwest of Gatton. When Toowoomba was ravaged by deadly flash floods last week, the city experienced 60mm of rainfall in one hour.
[size=1.2em]Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Ben Annells said intense rain had been reported in the Lockyer Valley area, one of the regions ravaged by flooding last week.
[size=1.2em]He said areas south of the Warrego Highway had received between 50mm and 70mm, while those on the northern side had between 20mm and 30mm.
[size=1.2em]Mr Annells said he had heard reports of flash flooding in the region as a result of the latest storms.
[size=1.2em]Earlier, forecasters said the threat of severe thunderstorms in Brisbane and Ipswich this afternoon had subsided.
[size=1.2em]Suburbs on Brisbane's southside had already received heavy rain today with 15mm falling in Wishart.
[size=1.2em]Earlier today, Weatherzone meteorologist Micaela Weber said residents should prepare for a repeat of yesterday's storms which brought wind gusts up to 95km/h that lashed the south-east corner.
[size=1.2em]A large trough over central Queensland, extending in northeast New South Wales, combined with moist winds was triggering the severe storms, she said.
[size=1.2em]Temperatures are expected to remain high tomorrow and Friday with more storms forecast, ahead of a fine weekend.
[size=1.2em]- with Courtney Trenwith and Marissa Calligeros

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