Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 8:12 pm Friday, 31 October 2025.

Severe thunderstorms continuing on and east of the ranges, and in the Riverina.

Weather Situation: An upper trough is triggering severe thunderstorms in an unstable environment this evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Metropolitan and parts of the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Northern Tablelands, Illawarra and Central Tablelands districts. Locations which may be affected include Cessnock, Maitland, Penrith, Parramatta, Campbelltown and Murwillumbah.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the Riverina and Central West Slopes and Plains districts. Locations which may be affected include Griffith, Hillston and Darlington Point.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Lower Western district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

45mm in 30 min at Woronora Dam at 7:17 pm.

4 cm hailstones were observed at Fitzroy Falls at 6:00pm.

3 cm hail reported at Moss Vale around 5:30 pm.

2-3 cm hailstones were observed at Glenquarry at 5:15pm.

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 (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* 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.
* 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.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.