Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Mid North Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, North West Slopes and Plains, Central Tablelands and Southern Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 8:20 pm Tuesday, 19 December 2023.

Heavy rainfall from severe thunderstorms continues throughout the state.

Weather Situation:
A trough extending from northwest New South Wales through central parts of the state is generating severe thunderstorms in a hot and humid environment ahead of a strengthening upper trough.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Maitland, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Gunnedah and Narrabri.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the South Coast, Central West Slopes and Plains and Snowy Mountains districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

118km/h wind gust at Tibooburra at 1:23pm.

2cm-3cm hail at Canberra around 3pm.

48mm in 30 minutes at Moppy Lookout (Barrington Tops) at 5:59pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.