Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Riverina and Lower Western Districts of New South Wales

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 with high severity for the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers parts of the Riverina and Lower Western Forecast Districts in New South Wales. Specific locations that may be impacted by these storms include Wentworth and Balranald.

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 ensure children and pets remain indoors.
• For emergency assistance during floods and storms, contact the SES at 132 500.
• Monitor updates via the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website.

Expected Conditions

A very humid airmass is combining with a slow-moving trough of low-pressure to trigger severe thunderstorms. These storms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours. The weather situation is developing over the far southwest of the state.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 5:19 pm AEDT on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. The current weather situation is expected to persist through the afternoon and evening. The next official warning update is scheduled to be issued by 8:20 pm AEDT.