The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 1:40 pm Monday. Severe thunderstorms, detected on weather radar near Cooyar, are moving towards the northeast. Those are expected to hit Blackbutt and Yarraman by 2:45 pm.

Two backpackers got struck by lightning Mount Marley lookout in Stanthorpe, south of Warwick, while they were taking a selfie on Sunday evening. According to reports, the man holding the mobile in the air got hit, and the person next to him suffered heart failure.

Southern Downs Regional Council councillor Cameron Gow said they were taken to Toowoomba Base Hospital. He said both the men had been released from the hospital, the ABC reported.

The councillor said one should not go up to a lookout in a storm. "Backpackers a bit new to the area, probably wouldn't realise the danger and they got knocked around a bit," he said.

Four people had been struck by lightning, but none of them suffered serious injury. According to Queensland Ambulance Service, a 25-year-old man was taken to hospital with minor injuries after having been struck by lightning at around 6:10 pm in Springfield, south-west of Brisbane.

Another man, 24, received an electric shock in the Ipswich suburb of Riverview when he touched a car with fallen power lines laying across it.

BoM asks people to move their car under cover or away from trees, secure loose outdoor items and avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters. It also warns against using the telephone during a thunderstorm. People should never take shelter under trees.

"Beware of fallen trees and power lines," the warning says.

The next warning is due to be issued by 3:40 pm.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES