Severe thunderstorm warnings for Sydney as heavy rainfall threatens the Ashes Test in Brisbane

Sydneysiders have been warned to brace themselves for severe thunderstorm and flash flooding as heavy rainfall disrupts the Ashes Test in Brisbane. 

The Bureau of Meteorology warned thunderstorms were already kicking off across NSW with the possibility of large hail, damaging winds and intense rainfall. 

Large parts of Queensland have also been issued a severe thunderstorm warning with residents urged to secure loose outdoor items and put cars under cover.  

The bad weather has delayed the opening day of the Ashes Test being held at the Gabba in Brisbane after large amounts of rain fell during the tea break. 

Groundsmen were seen rushing to get covers on the wicket as a severe thunderstorm brewed over Brisbane and threatened to end the match prematurely

Groundsmen were seen rushing to get covers on the wicket as the storm brewed over Brisbane and threatens end the match prematurely. 

However, Australian cricket legend Shane Warne reassured cricket fans the grounds of the Gabba dried quickly, with Australia to continue batting. 

Earlier in the day, the BOM Queensland warned a storm cell was developing over Brisbane with a thunderstorm ‘likely, possibly severe’. 

It warned areas north of and including the Sunshine Coast could be hit with hail while damaging wind gusts were headed for the Central Highlands. 

Residents in Kingaroy, Greenbank, Archerfield, Coolangatta, Logan City and Sunnybank and South Burnett will be affected by the monster rain bomb.  

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne reassured cricket fans the grounds of the Gabba dried quickly, with Australia to continue batting

Large parts of Queensland have also been issued a severe thunderstorm warning with residents urged to secure loose outdoor items and put cars under cover

Weatherzone meteorologist Chris Matthews told Daily Mail Australia showers over Brisbane were due to be clearing by Wednesday afternoon. 

However, he warned lashings of rain were due to hit the grounds again on Thursday, with a forecast of afternoon showers over the city. 

The meteorologist said there was a lesser chance of showers on Friday with the weekend set to receive ‘nowhere near as much’ rain as earlier in the week.

Mr Matthews said showers were forecast for Brisbane next week but residents could expect some drier days from Tuesday. 

Weatherzone meteorologist Chris Matthews said showers over the Gabba in Brisbane (pictured) were due to be clearing by the afternoon on Wednesday

As for Sydney, the meteorologist said the city was still seeing leftover showers from the storms that happened inland. 

He said there was a ‘slight chance’ Sydneysiders would be hit with a storm overnight but said the heavy rain was due to continue regardless. 

A low pressure system developing off the far south coast threatened to bring more storms on Thursday afternoon, however it is still uncertain where they will form. 

Mr Matthews said rain in the southeast of NSW may creep up to the north of Sydney bringing a wet Friday and possibly even Saturday. 

However in positive news, the meteorologist said no rain was forecast for next week at this stage, as residents are given some reprieve from the La Nina conditions. 

More to come.