News

Thunderstorms will develop across the eastern half of NSW today, with the peak of thunderstorm activity expected during the late afternoon. Thunderstorms may continue well into the evening.

Severe thunderstorms may develop within this the warning areas shown in the graphic above and are most likely on and east of the ranges. These severe storms may cause large hail, damaging winds and heavy rainfall, which can lead to damage to cars and property, and danger to humans and animals, damage to property and danger to humans and animals via airborne debris, flash flooding, and dangerous driving and transport conditions.

If supercell thunderstorms develop, there is a risk of giant hail and destructive wind gusts.

Both Sydney and Canberra may see severe thunderstorm development today. Each city may have damaging wind gusts and large hail as the main risks.

The Bureau of Meteorology reminds everyone that thunderstorms are very erratic by nature. This means that not everywhere within the risk area will see thunderstorms today. While it is near-impossible to predict exactly where and when a thunderstorm will form, we can say where and when are more likely for thunderstorm development.

The NSW SES is urging people over the next few days to drive to the conditions, make safe decisions and plan your commute to and from work.

How you can prepare for heavy rainfall and strong wind:

• People can help prevent storm damage around their properties by trimming back overhanging branches
• Secure or store away loose items around the yard or balcony
• Stay clear of fallen trees or powerlines. It’s also important to avoid parking your cars under trees and powerlines; and
• Never drive through floodwater and stay clear of creeks and storm drains.

Click here for simple things that you can do now to prepare your home

If you are driving when flash flooding occurs:

• Stay safe and never drive through floodwater
• Be aware of driving hazards, such as mud, debris, damage roads and fallen trees
• If driving conditions are dangerous, safety pull over away from trees, drains and low-lying areas and floodwaters; and
• Never enter floodwater.

For emergency storm and flood assistance call NSW SES on 132500 and in life threatening emergencies call triple zero.