Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Southern Tablelands, South Coast and Central Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 6:34 pm Saturday, 3 January 2026.

Thunderstorms likely to produce locally heavy rainfall and large hail over parts of southeast NSW.

Weather Situation: A moist and relatively unstable airmass is in place over the inland east of NSW, with showers and thunderstorms in the area leading to a localised risk of damaging wind gusts, large hail and heavy rainfall.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Nerriga and Bilpin.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains.
* 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.
* 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).