Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:07 pm Wednesday, 20 December 2023.
Severe thunderstorms causing heavy rainfall continue in the north of the state.

Weather Situation: A surface trough extends through the centre of the state and has caused the development of severe thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are moving to the northeast and will likely ease towards the late evening or early Thursday morning.
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 Inverell, Tingha, Bundarra, Warialda, Ashford and Bingara.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Northern Rivers, Central Tablelands and Central West Slopes and Plains districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

76.8 mm was recorded in the 3 hours to 9:50 pm at Dairy Flat.
39.2 mm was recorded in the 30 minutes to 8:48 pm at Barraba.
50.2 mm was recorded in the 2 hours to 6:00 pm at Gilgandra.
40.0 mm was recorded in the 60 minutes to 5:45 pm at Dubbo Airport.

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.