Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Metropolitan, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Central West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts.

Issued at 7:40 pm Thursday, 28 November 2024.

Severe thunderstorms continuing across parts of south and east.

Weather Situation: A moist and unstable airmass to the east of the surface trough will promote the development of severe thunderstorms today.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Metropolitan, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Central West Slopes and Plains districts. Locations which may be affected include Orange, Bathurst, Katoomba, Gunnedah, Dubbo and Parkes.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central Tablelands and Central West Slopes and Plains districts. Locations which may be affected include Orange, Bathurst, Lithgow, Oberon and Blayney.

42 MM RECORDED AT OBERON IN THE 30 MINUTES TO 6:15 PM.

39 mm recorded at Merriwa in 1 hour to 12:25 pm.

35.4 mm recorded at Coolah in 1 hour to 1:48 pm.

39 mm recorded at Picton in 30 minutes to 5:41 pm.

36.5 mm recorded at Lithgow in the 30 minutes to 7:07 pm.

41.0 mm recorded at Borenore in 1 hour to 7:21 pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.