Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Hunter, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, North West Slopes and Plains, Riverina and Lower Western Forecast Districts.

Issued at 6:33 pm Sunday, 9 February 2025.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS NEAR MERRIWA AND NEAR NERRIGA.

Weather Situation: Slow moving thunderstorms ahead of an upper-level trough are moving into NSW from Victoria with possible heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms are also forming on a surface trough in a moist unstable airmass in southern NSW and the ACT this afternoon, assisted by an upper trough moving across the state.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large, possibly giant hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the Hunter, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Central West Slopes and Plains districts. Locations which may be affected include Merriwa and Dunedoo.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the Illawarra and Southern Tablelands districts. Locations which may be affected include Nerriga.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the Hunter, Central Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, Riverina and Lower Western districts. Locations which may be affected include Bathurst, Katoomba, Condobolin, Jenolan Caves, Oberon and Lake Cargelligo.

40.5 MM OF RAINFALL RECORDED AT MILLENDALE IN THE 30 MINUTES TO 5:34PM.

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.
* 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.