Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Upper Western Forecast District.

Issued at 10:53 am Monday, 23 February 2026.

Heavy rainfall persisting about the northwest, with locally intense falls possible on Tuesday.

Weather Situation: An extremely humid airmass lies over central Australia, focused around a slow-moving tropical low over the southern Northern Territory. A trough extending into the northwest of NSW is forecast to deepen on Tuesday, increasing the risk of heavy falls.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast about parts of the Upper Western district through today and into Tuesday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 and 60 mm are likely. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 90 mm are likely, with isolated totals to 130 mm possible.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible on Tuesday with embedded thunderstorms, more likely near the SA border from early morning. Isolated six-hourly rainfall totals of around 90 mm are possible.

There remains uncertainty around the future movement and strength of the low pressure system over central Australia that is driving this weather. Periods of heavy rainfall may affect western New South Wales until the middle of the week.

Flood Watches and Warnings are current for the area. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Tibooburra, White Cliffs, Wanaaring, Louth, Tilpa and Fords Bridge.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
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).