Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in the Hunter, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains, Australian Capital Territory and parts of the Mid North Coast, Metropolitan, Illawarra, North West Slopes and Plains, Riverina and Upper Western Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:16 pm Tuesday, 21 March 2017.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Gosford, Orange, Canberra, Goulburn, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Bourke.

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.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.