Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Australian Capital Territory and parts of Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Upper Western, Snowy Mountains, North West Slopes and Plains and Riverina Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:14 pm Saturday, 31 October 2026.

Scattered severe thunderstorms developing in the next few hours over the central and southeast inland of the state.

Weather Situation: A cold front will move eastwards across the south of NSW this afternoon and evening, tending to slow and stall over northern parts of the state. Moderate instability east of this feature, combined with moderate to strong winds in the upper levels, will aid in the development of isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce large, possibly giant hailstones and damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Southern Tablelands, Central Tablelands and South West Slopes districts. Locations which may be affected include Goulburn, Yass and Crookwell.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours in the Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Australian Capital Territory and parts of the Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Upper Western, Snowy Mountains, North West Slopes and Plains and Riverina districts. Locations which may be affected include Orange, Canberra, Goulburn, Dubbo, Bourke, Batemans Bay, Yass, Walgett, Parkes, Moruya Heads, Coonamble and Nyngan.

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

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.
* 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).