Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 12:15 am Saturday, 15 January 2022.

PERSISTENT SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OVER NSW AND ACT

Weather Situation: A very humid and unstable airmass east of a trough over western NSW, will continue to produce thunderstorms for the remainder of the evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the South West Slopes and Riverina districts. Locations which may be affected include Albury, Tumbarumba, Khancoban and Holbrook.

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 the South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains, Australian Capital Territory and parts of the South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains and Riverina districts. Locations which may be affected include Canberra, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Griffith.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Upper Western district and parts of the North West Slopes and Plains. Locations which may be affected include Walgett and Lightning Ridge

Albury has recorded 63 mm in 1 hour to 11.47 pm.

Tinderry has recorded 37mm in 1 hour to 12:00am.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* 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.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* 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.
* 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.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.