Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in North West Slopes and Plains and parts of Central West Slopes and Plains, Riverina, Upper Western and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:35 pm Thursday, 24 February 2022.

Heavy rain with slow moving thunderstorms.

Weather Situation: A humid and unstable easterly airstream lies to the east of a trough over northeast Victoria extending into south central Queensland.

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 Gunnedah, Moree, Narrabri, Walgett, Narrandera and Lightning Ridge.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Metropolitan district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

44.0 mm was recorded in the 1 hour to 4.39 pm at Parkers Gap in the Southern Tablelands.

40.6 mm was recorded in the 1 hour to 4.50 pm at Bemboka in the South Coast.

48.2 mm was recorded at Cooma in the 2 hours to 7.30 pm.

95.2 mm was recorded at Gosford in the 3 hours to 10:15 pm.

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.