I just got by far the most terrifying weather alert I have ever seen.

Normally they say things like “chance of hail, could possibly maybe potentially cause some damage. You should be slightly more aware of this risk than usual, maybe, perhaps, so we don’t get sued on the rare chance there actually is hail but we didn’t warn you. Avoid fallen powerlines and other obviously dangerous things”

But not today… Read this. Then re-read it. It’s an official warning from the government, so I can only assume they have proofread it and when they say “leaving is the only option for your survival” they mean it.

(Emphasis and highlighting my own)

QLD Fire Weather Warning Source: Bureau of Meteorology for the North West, Channel Country, Maranoa and Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt and Southeast Coast forecast districts Issued at 3:13 pm EST on Thursday 10 October 2013. Weather Situation High temperatures, dry air, and fresh and gusty west to northwesterly winds ahead of a surface trough, will extend through the southern interior and the southeast. For the rest of Thursday 10 October: Extreme Fire Danger in the following forecast district: Channel Country Severe Fire Danger in the following forecast districts: North West, Maranoa and Warrego and Darling Downs and Granite Belt For Friday 11 October: Severe Fire Danger is forecast for the following forecast districts: Darling Downs and Granite Belt and Southeast Coast The Rural Fire Service Queensland advises that fires may be unpredictable, uncontrollable and fast-moving. The Rural Fire Service Queensland advises you to: Check your bushfire survival plan - Now. Monitor the fire and weather situation in any way you can through www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au and www.bom.gov.au, television or radio. Call Triple Zero if you see a fire. The Rural Fire Service Queensland advises that if you are in an area of Extreme Fire Danger: Leaving is the only option for your survival. If you plan to leave finalise your options and leave early on the day. A well prepared and well constructed home may not be safe. The Rural Fire Service Queensland advises that if you are in an area of Severe Fire Danger: Leaving is the safest option for your survival. If you plan to leave finalise your options and leave early on the day. Only stay if your home is well prepared and well constructed and you can actively defend it. Prepare for the emotional, mental and physical impact of defending your property - if in doubt, leave early. For information on Fire Bans and how to Prepare. Act. Survive. Visit the Rural Fire Service web page at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au or call the hotline on 1800 020 440. Total Fire Bans | Fire Danger Rating Maps An SMS has NOT been issued for this alert. EWN Radar & Alerts Map | QLD Facebook Alerts | Twitter Alerts

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