Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 11:15 pm Thursday, 11 November 2021.

HEAVY RAINFALL AND FLOODING DEVELOPING ACROSS THE NORTHERN INLAND AND UPPER HUNTER, AND SOUTHWEST SLOPES THURSDAY EVENING AND OVERNIGHT INTO FRIDAY.

Weather Situation:
A low pressure system is developing over central northern NSW, extending a trough from the low into southern inland Queensland directing a very moist airmass southwards from the tropics ahead of these features. The low will continue to develop Thursday evening and overnight into Friday and track towards the southeast reaching the Riverina and South West Slopes region Friday morning. Heavy rain areas and thunderstorm activity is expected across the region ahead of these features. Conditions will gradually clear from the west, initially over the northeast NSW warning area during Friday morning, followed by the southwest slopes warning area later in the morning.

Areas of HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to flash flooding are forecast over the Northwest Slopes and Plains, Northern Tablelands, Upper Hunter, Barrington Tops and Northern Rivers area late Thursday evening and overnight into Friday morning.

Severe thunderstorms may also develop and produce localised INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, more likely in northern parts of the North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands. Six-hourly rainfall totals exceeding 100mm are possible with thunderstorms, which may also produce localised areas of damaging to destructive winds. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings will be issued if this threat eventuates.

HEAVY RAINFALL is also expected to develop in parts of the Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Central Tablelands and northeast Riverina late Thursday evening before easing Friday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals exceeding 50 mm are possible.

Catchments are wet and widespread flooding is likely. This includes possible MAJOR FLOODING for areas over the Northern Slopes. Refer to current flood warnings at http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Armidale, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Moree, Narrabri and Parkes.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* 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.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.