Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Hunter, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Illawarra Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:22 pm Wednesday, 14 January 2026.

Severe thunderstorms becoming isolated into the evening

Weather Situation: An inland trough is combining with a humid and unstable airmass to produce areas of severe thunderstorms. These storms are expected to begin easing this evening, though sub severe thunderstorms will continue.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Hunter, Central Tablelands and North West Slopes and Plains districts. Locations which may be affected include Tamworth, Murrurundi and Quirindi.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central Tablelands and Illawarra districts. Locations which may be affected include Katoomba and Jenolan Caves.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains and South West Slopes districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

26.6 mm was recorded at Narrawa in the 30 minutes to 3:43 pm.

31.6 mm was recorded at Cudal in the 30 minutes to 3:38 pm.

24.6 mm was recorded at Jingera in the 30 minutes to 3:22 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).