Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Central West Slopes and Plains, NSW

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, affecting parts of the Central West Slopes and Plains Forecast District in New South Wales.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers parts of the Central West Slopes and Plains region. Specific locations that may be affected by these storms include Parkes and Forbes.

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 away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
• For emergency help in floods and storms, contact the SES at 132 500.
• Monitor updates via the Hazards Near Me NSW app.

Expected Conditions

Clusters of slow-moving severe thunderstorms have developed this afternoon in a moist and unstable atmosphere over inland parts of the state. These storms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 5:08 pm AEDT on Thursday, 26 February 2026. Severe thunderstorms are expected to persist through the remainder of the afternoon before easing in the evening. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to be issued by 8:10 pm.