Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 6:33 pm Sunday, 4 January 2026.

Severe thunderstorms continuing over eastern parts of the state.

Weather Situation: A warm and humid airmass combines with an upper-level trough to generate severe thunderstorms across large parts of the state today.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Armidale, Tamworth, Katoomba, Walcha, Uralla and Tingha.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Mid North Coast and Australian Capital Territory districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

96 km/h gust recorded at Narrabri at 05:06 pm.

34 mm of rainfall was recorded at Caroona (Mooki River) in the 30 minutes to 4:16 pm.

2 cm hail was observed at Berowra at approx. 3.50 pm.

40 mm of rainfall was recorded at Yalwal in the 30 minutes to 2:00 pm.

28 mm of rainfall was recorded at Oberon (Jenolan Caves Road) in the 30 minutes to 1:20 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).