Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall in Central Tablelands and Surrounding NSW Districts

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDN21033) for heavy rainfall. This is a top-priority alert for immediate broadcast, classified as a major warning group type.

Affected Areas

The warning covers parts of the following forecast districts in New South Wales:

• Central Tablelands
• Southern Tablelands
• Illawarra
• Hunter
• Central West Slopes and Plains
• South West Slopes

Specific locations that may be affected include Orange, Katoomba, Bowral, Bathurst, Glen Davis, and Lithgow.

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents in the warning area to take the following precautions:

• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Do not walk, ride your bike, or drive through flood water.
• If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and call 000 if you require rescue.
• Stay indoors and away from windows; keep children and pets indoors as well.
• For emergency help in floods and storms, contact the SES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

Slow-moving heavy thunderstorms have developed over the ranges in central eastern New South Wales within an extremely humid airmass. These storms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding within the warning area over the next several hours.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 12:46 pm Saturday, 7 March 2026. The warning is currently active, with the next update scheduled to be issued by 3:50 pm. If severe thunderstorms develop in Sydney, Newcastle, or Wollongong, a more detailed warning will be issued for those specific areas.