Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and Central West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:55 pm Thursday, 26 March 2026.

Gusty showers and thunderstorms about central NSW.

Weather Situation: A trough and an associated cold front are crossing the state today. Increased instability ahead of the change is bringing a risk of severe thunderstorms for parts of the central east and southeast of the state during the afternoon and evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Orange, Goulburn, Dubbo, Mudgee, Bathurst, Wellington, Oberon, Crookwell and Nerriga.

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

115 km/h wind gust recorded at Dubbo at 3:39 pm.

96 km/h wind gust recorded at Cobar at 1:53 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.
* 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).