Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Central West Slopes and Plains, Upper Western and Lower Western Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:27 pm Thursday, 15 October 2026.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM TO THE NORTHEAST OF COBAR, TRACKING EAST TO NORTHEAST.

Weather Situation: A moist and unstable airmass to the east of an inland surface trough is resulting in the development of severe thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds, large, possibly giant hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central West Slopes and Plains and Upper Western districts.

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 Central West Slopes and Plains, Upper Western and Lower Western districts. Locations which may be affected include Cobar and Bourke.

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).