Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Mid North Coast, Central Tablelands and parts of Northern Rivers, Hunter, Illawarra, North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 2:24 pm Thursday, 23 December 2021.
INTENSE RAINFALL RECORDED AT BENDEMEER.

Weather Situation: A moist and unstable airmass will combine with multiple surface troughs to support thunderstorm activity across eastern parts of the state.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Northern Tablelands district. Locations which may be affected include Walcha, Uralla and Bendemeer.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Mid North Coast, Central Tablelands and parts of the Northern Rivers, Hunter, Illawarra and Northern Tablelands districts. Locations which may be affected include Maitland, Armidale, Mudgee, Bathurst, Katoomba and Dorrigo.

Bendemeer recorded 59mm in 60 minutes and 72mm in 90 minutes.

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.
* 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.