Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Hunter, Metropolitan and Central Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:24 pm Saturday, 17 February 2024.

Isolated severe storms northwest of Sydney this afternoon.

Weather Situation: A moist and unstable airmass has triggered slow moving thunderstorms across the NSW ranges and along a trough through the southern inland this afternoon.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Katoomba, Jenolan Caves, Springwood, Capertee, Bilpin and Oberon.

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

37mm was recorded at Bilpin in the 40 minutes to 3:25 pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover.
* 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.