Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury and Wollondilly/Wingecarribee areas.

Issued at 2:59 pm Wednesday, 3 January 2024.

Severe thunderstorms are affecting the Blue Mountains this afternoon.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 2:55 pm, a severe thunderstorm likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding was detected near the Jamison Valley and Katoomba. This thunderstorm is moving towards the east. It is forecast to affect Hazelbrook, the Blue Mountains south of Hazelbrook and the Grose Valley in the Blue Mountains by 3:10 pm and Springwood by 3:25 pm.

33 mm was recorded at Blackheath in the 30 minutes to 2:45 pm.

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.
* 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.