Severe storm warning for NSW

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THE Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for large parts of NSW, with emergency authorities urging residents to be prepared for flash flooding and damaging winds.


The warnings, issued at 2.06pm (AEDT) on Tuesday are for the central tablelands, parts of the mid-north coast, the Hunter region, northwest slopes and plains, central west slopes and plains and the lower western, upper western and northern tablelands forecast districts.

Thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds over the next several hours, the bureau said.

Locations which may be affected include Scone, Orange, Mudgee, Bathurst, Katoomba, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Dubbo, Parkes, Nyngan, Wilcannia and Cobar.

The State Emergency Service (SES) is advising people to move cars under cover and away from trees, secure loose items around dwellings, keep clear of fallen power lines, creeks and storm drains, and to call triple zero if trapped by flash flooding.

People are also being urged to avoid using phones during storms, to unplug computers and appliances and to stay indoors and away from windows.

A strong wind warning has also been issued for NSW coastal waters between Yamba and Crowdy Head.

Winds are northeasterly, then tending southeast to southwesterly and increasing up to 30 knots by Wednesday morning, with combined sea and swell increasing up to three metres.

But the bureau noted that wind gusts could be 40 per cent stronger than the averages given, with maximum waves up to twice the quoted heights.

For emergency help in floods and storms in NSW and the ACT, ring the SES on 132 500.