Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:40 pm Friday, 20 February 2026.

Severe thunderstorms continuing through central inland parts of NSW this evening.

Weather Situation: A moist and unstable airmass combines with a trough to trigger thunderstorms this evening. These may become severe through central NSW with heavy rainfall and isolated damaging wind gusts.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Merriwa and Murrurundi.

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

40 mm RECORDED AT ULAN WATER (ULAN) IN THE 30 MINUTES TO 4:58 PM.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains.
* 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.
* 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.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).