By Marlene Jennings
Hinterland residents face days of strong winds and plummeting temperatures in an acute welcome to winter.
Blackall Range locals woke to wind gusts of 40km/hr and a low of 8 degrees on Tuesday, but temperatures are forecast to fall even lower due to a strong cold front originating from a low-pressure working its way across the southern states.
Warnings are in place for residents to be aware of weakened trees, the effects of recent rain events and potential damage to property.
Temperatures are forecast to fall up to 6 degrees below average by Thursday with temperatures to hit a low of 6 before climbing to just 16 degrees at Maleny.
Lower-lying areas of Beerwah and Glass House Mountains are set for lows of 8 degrees and daytime averages of 19 degrees on Thursday and Friday.
Strong wind warnings have also been posted for Sunshine Coast waters with winds ranging from 26 knots up to 33 knots.
Southern states and territories including parts of South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and the ACT are on notice for damaging winds while a tornado was also detected in SA this week.
Maleny residents will once again notice the community winter clothing donations situated at the rear of the Maleny IGA in preparation for the cold blitz.
