13 Febraury 2012, 9:30 AET

Continuing severe weather patterns have kept the SES busy over much of NSW overnight. In addition to Southern and Western Sydney receiving more severe thunderstorms yesterday, resulting in 148 calls for help. The Coffs Harbour area was impacted later in the evening by a thunderstorm cell bringing wind gusts of 98km/h and 48 mm of rian in a 40 minute period.

The Burea is again predicting further severe thunderstorms today from Sydney to the Qld border along the coast and ranges. This may start occuring earlier in the day than normal. A chance of super cells forming like the Coffs Harbour cell seen yesterday, are possible. In fact, there is a chance that several of these types of cells may form throughout the day. Heavy localised rainfall in short periods of time may occur causing flash flooding.

At present, around 7000 people remain isolated, with the town of Walget being the latest to become isolated with floodwater reaching the Castlereagh Highway overnight. No significant rainfall is forcast to affect the flood affected areas, and SES Volunteers are continuing to re-supply isolated residents.

There are six current flood warnings issued including:

1. Gwydir River
2. Namoi/Peel
3. Culgoa-Bokhara-Narran Rivers
4. Warrego River
5. Paroo River
6. Barwon/Darling River

For further detailed information on these flood warnings go to www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings

For safety advice on preparing for severe thunderstomes visit the ses website http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/community-safety/stormsafe/