Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 11:10 am Monday, 5 February 2024.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WINDS OVER THE NORTHWEST TODAY. HEAVY RAIN EXTENDING TO SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL RANGES OVERNIGHT.

Weather Situation: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is currently centred over the far southwest of Queensland and is expected to move southeastwards and gradually weaken to be over central parts of NSW early Tuesday. The system and its associated severe weather are expected to clear New South Wales by Tuesday afternoon.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected in the northwest today, extending to the southern and central ranges overnight. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely, with 24-hourly totals between 70 and 100 mm likely.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible west of Parkes today, particularly on the southern flank of the low. Isolated six-hourly totals between 80 and 120 mm are possible, with 24-hourly totals up to 150 mm possible. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS with INTENSE RAINFALL are detected.

DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible in an area extending roughly between Tibooburra, Bourke and White Cliff, easing during this afternoon.

A Flood Watch is also current for the Far West and South West catchments. See http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Orange, Canberra, Goulburn, Tibooburra, Cobar and Bourke.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* 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.
* Move vehicles 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.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* 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.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.