Experts are warning of possible power outages and damage to cars and property, amid threats of severe storms in tourist hotspots in Australia’s southeast.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned on Thursday evening that potentially severe storms could hit parts of southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Developing on Thursday afternoon, severe storms were most likely to originate from Byron Bay in northern New South Wales to Port Macquarie in the south.

Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said the soggy weather risked damaging winds and hail, including in southeast Queensland.

“Storms are possible today across much of central and south-east Queensland, north-east New South Wales, extending through the Hunter to western Sydney” , she said.

“In areas of strong storms, we could see devastating wind gusts and large hail. Heavy rain is less likely today, although we could still see a few brief, sharp bursts.

“Destructive winds and large hail can cause trees and branches to fall, which could impact properties or cars and cause damage.

“We may also see power outages or traffic and transportation disruptions due to these severe weather impacts.”

The Bureau of Meteorology warned on Thursday evening that potentially severe storms could hit parts of southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Developing on Thursday afternoon, severe storms were most likely from Byron Bay in northern New South Wales to Port Macquarie in the south (stock image)

The Bureau warned that parts of the northern NSW and north coast rivers were most at risk, including areas around Byron Bay, Lismore and Coffs Harbour.

While the weather will extend to the Blue Mountains to the south, Sydney is expected to receive just 15mm of rain on Thursday, before tapering off to 1mm on Friday.

Skies will remain clear through the weekend as the Bureau said the cold front interacting with warm weather from the north was moving away from the continent.

Further north, the Bureau forecasts Brisbane will only receive “standard or non-severe storms” on Thursday afternoon, with less than 1mm expected on Friday.

Showers will nevertheless persist there throughout the weekend with up to 15mm on Sunday, with no more than 2mm forecast for Melbourne until Sunday.

Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said there is a risk of damaging winds and hail, including in southeast Queensland.

To the south, hikers were advised that snow was expected up to 500 m Thursday afternoon on the western and central plateau.

Hobart will also see between 1 and 5mm of range on Thursday, with up to 2mm on Saturday; Adelaide will be cloudy with no rain forecast.

Canberra is expected to receive a late shower on Thursday but will be sunny over the weekend, while Perth and Darwin will enjoy clear skies and warmth.