Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 8:55 pm Monday, 5 January 2026.

Severe thunderstorms continuing in the north of the state this evening.

Weather Situation: A warm and humid airmass combined with an upper-level trough is generating severe thunderstorms this evening.

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

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Central Tablelands and Central West Slopes and Plains districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

96 km/h wind gust was recorded at Moree at 8:08pm.

93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Goulburn Airport at 5:48pm

28 mm was recorded at Nullo Mountain in the 30 minutes to 4:15pm

93 km/h wind gust observed at Trangie Research Station (NW of Dubbo) at 3:15pm

2-3cm hailstones observed at Coonabarabran around 3pm

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).