Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding for Hunter and Tablelands Districts

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDN21033) for heavy rainfall. This high-priority alert was issued at 1:27 pm on Friday, 6 March 2026, for residents in parts of the Hunter, Central Tablelands, and Southern Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Affected Areas

The warning covers specific geographic regions within the central ranges and tablelands of New South Wales. Locations that may be affected by these severe conditions include:

• Bathurst
• Katoomba
• Lithgow
• Kandos
• Oberon
• Glen Davis

What You Should Do

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

• 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; ensure children and pets remain indoors as well.
• For emergency help in floods and storms, contact the SES on 132 500.

Expected Conditions

Slow-moving thunderstorms have developed along a trough lying over the ranges this afternoon. Combined with a moist airmass, these severe thunderstorms are likely to produce isolated heavy rainfall. These conditions may lead to dangerous flash flooding within the warning area over the next several hours.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 1:27 pm on Friday, 6 March 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 4:30 pm. Residents should stay updated via the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website.