Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding for Riverina and Western NSW

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDN21037) for heavy and locally intense rainfall. This high-priority alert was issued at 4:56 pm AEDT on Sunday, March 1, 2026, as tropical humidity increases on the eastern flank of a low-pressure system in South Australia.

Affected Areas

The warning applies to residents in parts of the Riverina, Lower Western, and Upper Western Forecast Districts in New South Wales. Specific locations that may be affected include Albury, Deniliquin, Broken Hill, Hay, Wentworth, and Menindee.

What You Should Do

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

• Do not drive, ride, or walk through flood water.
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and call 000 if you require rescue.
• For emergency help in floods and storms, contact the SES at 132 500.
• Stay updated via the Hazards Near Me NSW app.

Expected Conditions

A trough pushing into the far southwest of the state is expected to increase rain and thunderstorm activity. Heavy rainfall is anticipated, with six-hourly totals between 40 to 70 mm likely. Locally intense rainfall, which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, is possible with thunderstorms, potentially producing six-hourly totals between 70 to 100 mm. Flood watches and warnings are currently in effect for the region.

Timeline

The risk of heavy rainfall begins tonight, Sunday, March 1, and is expected to become likely into Monday morning. Intense falls are most probable in the far southern Lower Western and southwestern Riverina districts starting later this evening. The Bureau expects to issue the next update by 11:00 pm AEDT Sunday.