Incredible vision shows a gustnado rip through the Brisbane River as a dangerous storm cell moved over the city this afternoon.
The vortex appeared very similar to a tornado, shocking onlookers.
Those in the open were forced to seek shelter as it skimmed across the Brisbane River.
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The US National Weather Service describes a gustnado as a small whirlwind that forms during thunderstorms.
The storm formed early this afternoon in Boonah before tracking north-east and bringing with it wild winds and hail up to six centimetres in size.
South-east suburbs copped a lashing as the hail blanketed backyards and roads, forcing residents to run for cover.
At Kangaroo Point, the storm uprooted a massive tree that came tumbling down. It also tore down branches from several other trees.
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The weather delayed domestic and international flights in and out of Brisbane airports.
The extent of the damage across the south-east is not yet known but authorities warn it won’t be the last of the wild weather as the high-risk season begins.
“We are the most disaster prone state in Australia so we need to be prepared,” State Disaster Coordinator Shane Chelepy said.
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