Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Hunter and parts of Mid North Coast, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains and Upper Western Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:05 pm Wednesday, 26 November 2025.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM HAS DEVELOPED SOUTHEAST OF SCONE TRACKING TO THE NORTHEAST, DESTRUCTIVE WINDS POSSIBLE.

Weather Situation: A cold front moving through NSW combines with an upper-level trough and an unstable airmass to produce severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Hunter and Mid North Coast districts. Locations which may be affected include Dungog.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in the Hunter and parts of the Mid North Coast, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains and Upper Western districts. Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Tamworth, Bourke, Scone, Walgett and Coonabarabran.

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

106 km/h wind gust recorded at Merriwa at 01:52 pm.

109 km/h wind gust recorded at Dubbo at 12:25 pm.

111 km/h wind gust recorded at Trangie at 12:01 pm.

110 km/h wind gust recorded at Orange at 11:52 am.

98 km/h wind gust recorded at Parkes at 11:02 am.

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.