TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for HEAVY RAINFALL, LARGE HAILSTONES and DAMAGING WIND For people in the Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, Northern Tablelands and parts of the Mid North Coast, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Riverina, Lower Western and Upper Western Forecast Districts. Issued at 3:20 pm Sunday, 30 November 2014. Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Nowra, Armidale, Orange, Goulburn, Yass, Walgett, Dubbo, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Cobar, Bourke and Lightning Ridge. The State Emergency Service advises that people should: * Move your car under cover or away from trees. * Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony. * Keep clear of fallen power lines. * Keep clear of creeks and storm drains. * Dont walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water. * If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue. * Unplug computers and appliances. * Avoid using the phone during the storm. * Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well. * For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500. The next warning is due to be issued by 6:20 pm. If severe thunderstorms develop in Sydney Newcastle Wollongong or surrounding areas, a more detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued to people in this area. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureaus website at bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 218. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 04:36:22 +0000