Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Hunter and Illawarra Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:16 pm Friday, 6 February 2026.

Severe thunderstorms occurring over parts of the east.

Weather Situation: A trough is combining with an unstable airmass to produce thunderstorms along the central ranges and slopes this afternoon and early evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the Hunter district. Locations which may be affected include Putty, Cessnock, Wollombi and Kulnura.

Severe thunderstorms are capable of producing damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Illawarra district. Locations which may be affected include Nowra, Kiama and Huskisson.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Metropolitan and Central Tablelands districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

31.2 mm was recorded at Moss Vale in the 30 minutes to 2:15 pm.

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).