Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Mid North Coast, Metropolitan, Illawarra and Central Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:18 pm Sunday, 1 February 2026.

Isolated severe thunderstorms are developing across the east this afternoon.

Weather Situation: A southerly change is interacting with the ranges in an unstable airmass to generate isolated severe thunderstorms this afternoon. Further severe thunderstorm warnings may be issued for other parts of the central east and northeast this afternoon and evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Metropolitan, Illawarra and Central Tablelands districts. Locations which may be affected include Campbelltown, Penrith and Springwood.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones 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, Comboyne and Wingham.

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).