Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:25 pm Thursday, 26 March 2026.

Gusty showers and thunderstorms about the central east.

Weather Situation: Gusty showers and thunderstorms have developed ahead of a change tracking through the central east, with a risk of damaging wind gusts through the afternoon and early evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Nowra, Bowral, Mudgee, Bathurst, Katoomba and Lithgow.

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).