Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North East and East Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 12:20 pm Wednesday, 21 February 2024.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS WITH LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL LIKELY ABOUT ST HELENS.

Weather Situation: A moist unstable atmosphere has triggered thunderstorms this morning in the northeast of the State.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include St Helens and Scamander.

34mm has been recorded at St Helens Aerodrome in the 30 minutes to 6:20am

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Avoid driving, walking or riding through flood waters.
* Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
* Avoid using the telephone during a thunderstorm.
* Beware of fallen trees and powerlines.
* For emergency assistance contact the SES on 132500.