TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for HEAVY RAINFALL For people in parts of the Mid North Coast and Hunter Forecast Districts. Issued at 7:45 pm Thursday, 25 December 2014. Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Taree, Newcastle, Gosford, Cessnock and Maitland. Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes and Northern Tablelands districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED. Storm spotter 20km east of Cowra reported 20mm of rain in 10 minutes, estimated 4cm hail and 90km/h wind gust at about 1:25pm. 25mm was recorded in 30 minutes at Touga (west of Nowra) at 3:15pm. The State Emergency Service advises that people should: * 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 10:45 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: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 08:53:34 +0000