Severe Weather Warning Issued for Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding in Western New South Wales
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a high-severity warning for intense rainfall and life-threatening flash flooding across the Upper and Lower Western districts of NSW.
Alert Details
The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDN21037) for heavy and locally intense rainfall. The alert is classified as high severity and is designated as a top priority for immediate broadcast. The warning is issued for people in the Upper Western and parts of the Lower Western Forecast Districts in New South Wales.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the northwest region of the state, with specific locations likely to be affected including:
- Tibooburra
- Broken Hill
- Wilcannia
- White Cliffs
- Wanaaring
- Menindee
Expected Conditions
An extremely humid airmass associated with a slow-moving tropical low over the southern Northern Territory is driving the weather situation. A trough extending into northwest NSW is forecast to deepen, increasing the risk of heavy falls. Expected conditions include:
- Heavy Rainfall: Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 and 60 mm are likely, with 24-hourly totals between 50 and 90 mm.
- Intense Rainfall: Isolated 24-hourly totals of up to 130 mm are possible. Locally intense rainfall near the South Australian border may reach 90 mm in a six-hour period.
- Flash Flooding: Heavy falls may lead to flash flooding, while intense rainfall could result in dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding.
- Recent Observations: 88 mm of rain was recorded at Winnathee (near the SA border) in the six hours leading up to 4:15 PM.
Timeline
The warning was issued at 4:41 PM AEDT on Monday, February 23, 2026. Heavy rainfall is forecast for the Upper Western district today, spreading to parts of the Lower Western district during Tuesday. Periods of heavy rainfall may continue to affect western New South Wales until the middle of the week. The next update is scheduled to be issued by 11:00 PM AEDT Monday.
What You Should Do
The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents to take the following actions:
- 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 on 132 500.
- Monitor the Hazards Near Me NSW app for updates.
Source: BOM Official Notice