Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Mid North Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, Northern Tablelands and parts of Northern Rivers, Metropolitan, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes and South Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:16 pm Tuesday, 3 November 2026.

GIANT HAIL AND DESTRUCTIVE WINDS POSSIBLE IN NORTHERN NSW.

Weather Situation: a very moist and unstable environment conducive to rapid severe thunderstorm development is set up throughout eastern NSW and southeastern Qld.

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 Mid North Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, Northern Tablelands and parts of the Northern Rivers, Metropolitan, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes and South Coast districts. Locations which may be affected include Grafton, Armidale, Goulburn, Nowra, Scone and Tenterfield.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds, large, possibly giant hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Northern Rivers, North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands districts. Locations which may be affected include Grafton, Inverell, Glen Innes, Woodenbong, Baryulgil and Jackadgery.

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).