Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDN21033) for heavy rainfall and damaging winds. This top-priority alert was issued at 2:24 pm on Friday, 20 February 2026, and is currently in effect for parts of northern New South Wales.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers residents in parts of the following forecast districts:

• North West Slopes and Plains
• Northern Tablelands

Expected Conditions

A moist and unstable airmass combined with a trough is triggering thunderstorms across northern NSW this afternoon. According to the Bureau, these storms are slow-moving, which increases the risk of localized impacts. Expected hazards include:

• Heavy Rainfall: Intense downpours that may lead to flash flooding.
• Damaging Winds: Isolated risks of damaging wind gusts within the warning area over the next several hours.

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents to take the following precautions immediately:

• Park vehicles under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines, and drains.
• Secure or put away loose items around houses, yards, and balconies.
• Maintain a distance of at least 8 metres from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
• Stay clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Do not walk, ride your bike, or drive through flood water.
• If 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 on 132 500.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 2:24 pm on Friday, 20 February 2026. The hazardous conditions are expected to persist through the afternoon. The Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled to issue the next update by 5:25 pm, or earlier if conditions change significantly.