Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, Central West Slopes and Plains and South West Slopes Forecast Districts.

Issued at 1:49 pm Saturday, 7 March 2026.

Severe thunderstorms continue to develop about the Great Dividing Range.

Weather Situation: A trough of low-pressure combines with exceptionally high atmospheric moisture to produce slow moving thunderstorms over parts of the southeastern New South Wales.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains and South West Slopes districts. Locations which may be affected include Orange, Goulburn, Katoomba, Bowral, Bathurst and Campbelltown.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, and possible damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the South Coast, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains districts. Locations which may be affected include Braidwood, Araluen, Captains Flat and Bredbo.

33.0 mm was recorded at Orange in the 1 hour to 12:35 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).