The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL, DAMAGING WINDS and LARGE HAILSTONES.
VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS WITH LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL POSSIBLE FOR THE SOUTH COAST.
Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and heavy rainfall continuing over southeast New South Wales and developing northward towards Narrabri with the risk of large hail.
Weather Situation: An upper-level low over western New South Wales is maintaining unstable conditions across a large parts of the state today. Intense rainfall possible with persistent showers and thunderstorms over parts of the South Coast.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding and damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the South Coast district. Locations which may be affected include Bega.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in the Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Australian Capital Territory and parts of the Hunter, Illawarra, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains, Riverina, Snowy Mountains and Lower Western districts. Locations which may be affected include Orange, Canberra, Goulburn, Tamworth, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga.
Observations to 12:30pm include:
59.2mm was recorded in the 1 hour period up to 12pm at Kameruka Estate.
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.
Image: BOM
