Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Riverina Forecast District.

Issued at 3:46 pm Tuesday, 19 March 2024.
Severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts continue through the Riverina.

Weather Situation: Severe thunderstorms have developed in an unstable airmass ahead of a trough. The trough will move east through the Riverina during the afternoon and any thunderstorms that develop are likely to be fast moving to the east and southeast. Severe thunderstorms may persist throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Hay, Finley, Lockhart, Jerilderie and Darlington Point.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Lower Western district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

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.
* 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.