Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 3:43 pm Friday, 18 October 2024.

Severe thunderstorms with damaging wind gusts continue to move east throughout the afternoon.

Weather Situation: A trough and cold front are sweeping eastwards through central parts of the state today. Fast moving severe thunderstorms have developed in the humid and unstable airmass ahead of the front and will continue to move to the east, reaching parts of the Southern Tablelands and ACT in the late afternoon and early evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, while large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding is also possible in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Canberra, Yass, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Tumbarumba, Cobar, Bourke and Brewarrina.

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.