Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Riverina and Hunter Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:44 pm Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS WITH HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL, AND POSSIBLE LARGE HAIL AND DAMAGING WINDS OVER SOUTH CENTRAL PARTS OF NEW SOUTH WALES.

Weather Situation: A humid and unstable airmass combines with a trough of low-pressure to trigger severe thunderstorms across south central parts of New South Wales today.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, and possible large hailstones and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Goulburn, Bathurst, Katoomba, Yass, Young and West Wyalong.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the South Coast, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

A separate Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is current for parts of the Upper Western forecast district. Please check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for more information.

42.4 MM WAS RECORDED AT COOTAMUNDRA IN THE 60 MINUTES TO 4:14 PM.

39.0 MM WAS RECORDED AT BREDBO IN THE 30 MINUTES TO 3:03 PM.

26.0 mm was recorded at Goulburn (Mt Gray) in the 30 minutes to 4:22 pm.

23.6 mm was recorded at Goulburn (Pejar Dam Wall) in the 30 minutes to 3:30 pm.

28.6 mm was recorded at Burra Creek in the 30 minutes to 2:04 pm.

28.6 mm was recorded at Tinderry (Queanbeyan River) in the 30 minutes to 1:30 pm.

23.4 mm was recorded at Jerangle in the 30 minutes to 1:02 pm.

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).