Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Illawarra and Riverina Forecast Districts.

Issued at 7:06 pm Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

Severe thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall continuing over south central parts of New South Wales this evening.

Weather Situation: A humid and unstable airmass combines with a trough of low-pressure to trigger severe thunderstorms across south central parts of New South Wales this evening.

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 Orange, Bathurst, Katoomba, Yass, Parkes and Young.

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

A separate Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is current for parts of the Upper Western forecast district. Please check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.

42.4 MM WAS RECORDED AT COOTAMUNDRA IN THE 60 MINUTES TO 4:14 PM.

39.0 MM WAS RECORDED AT BREDBO IN THE 30 MINUTES TO 3:03 PM.

26.0 mm was recorded at Goulburn (Mt Gray) in the 30 minutes to 4:22 pm. .

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.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).