Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Snowy Mountains and parts of Northern Rivers, South West Slopes, Australian Capital Territory and Riverina Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:21 pm Friday, 27 February 2026.

INTENSE RAINFALL ABOUT THE NORTHERN RIVERS

Weather Situation: An easterly moist onshore flow is forcing persistent showers and thunderstorms about the Northern Rivers this afternoon. Meanwhile, slow-moving heavy thunderstorms have also triggered about the Snowy Mountains.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Northern Rivers district. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Ballina, Coraki, Alstonville and Woodburn.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Snowy Mountains and parts of the Northern Rivers, South West Slopes, Australian Capital Territory and Riverina districts. Locations which may be affected include Cooma, Tumbarumba, Byron Bay.

110 mm of RAINFALL HAS BEEN RECORDED AT TUCKURIMBA (LISMORE) IN THE 3 HRS TO 3:15 PM.

68.6 mm of rainfall has been recorded at Green Pigeon in the hour to 1:13 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.
* 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).