Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes and parts of Central Tablelands, Riverina, Lower Western, Upper Western and Australian Capital Territory Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:52 pm Monday, 5 February 2024.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL EXTENDING TO SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL RANGES OVERNIGHT.

Weather Situation: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is currently centred near Bourke and is expected to move southeastwards and gradually weaken during Monday night. The system and its associated severe weather are expected to clear New South Wales by Tuesday afternoon.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected in the northwest this afternoon and evening, extending to the southern and central ranges overnight. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely, with 24-hourly totals between 70 and 100 mm likely.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible west of Parkes tonight, easing early Tuesday morning. Isolated six-hourly totals between 80 and 120 mm are possible, with 24-hourly totals up to 150 mm possible. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS with INTENSE RAINFALL are detected.

Heavy rainfall is expected ease below warning thresholds by Tuesday afternoon.
A Flood Watch is also current for the Far West and South West catchments. See http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/ for more information.

Locations which may be affected include Orange, Canberra, Goulburn, Dubbo, Cobar and Bourke.
85 mm was recorded at White Cliffs in 6 hours to 1:32 pm.
75 mm was recorded at Wanaaring (Borrona Downs) in 6 hours to 2:41 pm.
73 mm was recorded at Killala in 6hrs to 10:31 pm.
61 mm was recorded at Girilambone (Okeh) in 3hrs to 10:32 pm.
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.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.