Forecast

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for LARGE HAILSTONES and DAMAGING WINDS

For people in Central Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes and parts of Hunter, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Riverina, Lower Western and Australian Capital Territory Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:51 pm Wednesday, 19 December 2018.

GUSTY THUNDERSTORMS OVER CENTRAL WESTERN PARTS

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Mudgee, Orange, Goulburn, Yass, Dubbo, Parkes and Wagga Wagga.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* 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 on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, as shown on your power bill.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.


The next warning is due to be issued by 6:55 pm.

If severe thunderstorms develop in Sydney Newcastle Wollongong or surrounding areas or Canberra and Queanbeyan, a more detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued to people in these areas.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 218. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.