Source: Bureau of Meteorology
For people in parts of South West Slopes and Riverina Forecast
Districts.
Issued at 5:47 pm Tuesday, 19 March 2024.
Severe storms with damaging winds and heavy rainfall approach
Albury and Wagga Wagga in the early evening.
Weather Situation: Severe thunderstorms have developed in an
unstable airmass ahead of a trough. The trough will move east
through the Riverina during early evening and may reach parts of
the South West Slopes in the next few hours. Severe thunderstorms
are fast moving to the east and southeast and are likely to persist
into the evening.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and
heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area
over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected
include Wagga Wagga, Albury, Tumbarumba, Narrandera, Holbrook and
Lockhart.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and
balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects
that may be energised, such as fences.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour
Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093)
as shown on your power bill.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more
unstable and more likely to fall.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest
available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may
behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris
such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the
ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of
landslides.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets
indoors as well.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape
may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and
ACT) on 132 500.
19/Mar/2024 06:53 AM