Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury, Gosford/Wyong, Sydney, Wollondilly/Wingecarribee and Greater Wollongong areas.

Issued at 5:51 pm Thursday, 15 January 2026.

Severe thunderstorm moving over the Blue Mountains and far south.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:50 pm, severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Bell, the Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens, the Oberon district and Wingello. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Bundanoon, Nowra and Bilpin by 6:20 pm and Katoomba, Blackheath and Calga by 6:50 pm.

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).