Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:34 pm Saturday, 29 January 2022.

Severe thunderstorms occurring over multiple districts, intense rainfall possible over the east.

Weather Situation: A trough interacting with humid air will cause thunderstorm development throughout the day over a large part of the state.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands and Southern Tablelands districts. Locations which may be affected include Nowra, Bowral, Orange, Bathurst, Katoomba, Goulburn, Blayney, Trunkey Creek, Hill End, Crookwell, Taralga and Nerriga.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and parts of the Hunter, South Coast, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Riverina, Lower Western and Upper Western districts. Locations which may be affected include Nowra, Bowral, Batemans Bay, Orange, Bathurst, Katoomba, Goulburn, Yass, West Wyalong, Griffith, Narrandera and Cobar.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

Recent observations include:

56 mm in 60 minutes at Nerriga

59.4 mm in 60 minutes at Lake Bathurst

40 mm in 60 minutes at Big Hill (Glen Dusk)

50 mm in 60 minutes at Young Airport

66mm in 60 min at Rock Forest (Bathurst)

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.