Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Metropolitan, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Northern Tablelands and Illawarra Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:26 am Sunday, 18 January 2026.

Heavy rainfall ongoing about parts of western Sydney. Isolated severe thunderstorms about northeastern parts of the state.

Weather Situation: A fresh southeasterly flow to the south of a trough about the NSW coast is generating areas of showers and isolated thunderstorms, with some of these bringing heavy rainfall. Isolated severe storms have developed about a trough in the Northern Tablelands and Northern Rivers.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Metropolitan, Central Tablelands and Illawarra districts. Locations which may be affected include Katoomba, Penrith, Campbelltown and Springwood.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands districts. Locations which may be affected include Armidale, Tamworth, Inverell, Gunnedah, Guyra and Walcha.

68.0 mm of rainfall was recorded at Liverpool (Georges River) in the 5 hours to 5:15 am.

44.0 mm of rainfall was recorded at Peakhurst Golf Club in 1 hour to 04:30 am.

39.5 mm of rainfall was recorded at Kelso Creek in 1 hour to 04:45 am.

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).