Severe Weather Warning: Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding Issued for Upper Western New South Wales

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall. This high-priority alert was issued at 12:55 pm AEDT on Sunday, February 22, 2026, for residents in the Upper Western Forecast District of New South Wales.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers parts of the Upper Western Forecast District. Locations that may be affected by the incoming weather system include:

• Tibooburra
• White Cliffs
• Wanaaring
• Tilpa
• Milparinka

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents and travelers in the affected areas to take the following precautions:

• 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 assistance during floods and storms, contact the SES at 132 500.
• Stay updated via the Hazards Near Me NSW app.

Expected Conditions

An extremely humid airmass interacting with an approaching front and upper trough is expected to generate significant precipitation. Forecasters predict heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding. Expected rainfall totals include:

• Six-hourly totals: Between 30 and 60 mm are likely.
• 24-hourly totals: Between 50 and 80 mm are likely, with isolated totals reaching up to 100 mm possible.

Timeline

Heavy rainfall is expected to develop about the northwest starting early Monday morning, February 23, 2026. While the initial warning is focused on the early hours of Monday, periods of heavy rainfall may continue to affect western New South Wales until the middle of the week. The Bureau will issue the next update by 5:00 pm AEDT Sunday.