Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Illawarra and parts of Metropolitan, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains and Upper Western Forecast Districts.

Issued at 7:01 pm Friday, 14 February 2025.

Severe storms continuing over New South Wales this evening.

Weather Situation: A surface trough crossing the state is combining with a moist and unstable airmass to produce severe thunderstorms in New South Wales this evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains and Upper Western districts. Locations which may be affected include Walgett, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Lightning Ridge, Collarenebri and Goodooga.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Illawarra and parts of the Metropolitan, South Coast, Central Tablelands and Southern Tablelands districts. Locations which may be affected include Nowra, Batemans Bay, Orange, Bathurst, Katoomba and Goulburn.

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

42 mm was recorded at Oranmeir in the 30 minutes to 6:00pm

26 mm was recorded at Parkers Gap in the 30 minutes to 5:45pm.

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.