Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 3:15 pm Friday, 17 October 2025.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS WITH GIANT HAIL HAVE DEVELOPED OVER THE MID NORTH COAST.

Weather situation: A warm, moist and unstable environment is interacting with a surface trough to generate severe thunderstorms across the central west and Mid North Coast this afternoon. Additional areas of severe thunderstorms are likely to develop through other central and eastern parts of the state throughout the afternoon, and may continue into the evening.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce large, possibly giant hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Mid North Coast district. Locations which may be affected include Taree, Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton, Harrington and Old Bar.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and damaging winds over the next several hours in the Central Tablelands and parts of the Mid North Coast, Hunter, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains and Upper Western districts. Locations which may be affected include Orange, Dubbo, Mudgee and Katoomba.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* 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.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* 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.