Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:46 pm Friday, 16 January 2026.

Severe thunderstorms continuing in the northeast.

A very moist unstable airmass combined with a trough in the east is triggering severe thunderstorms in northeast parts of the state this afternoon.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Kyogle, Tabulam, Jackadgery, Nymboida, Bellingen, Ebor, Nambucca Heads, Comboyne and Casino.

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).