Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall for parts of Mid North Coast, Hunter, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts. Issued at 1:35 pm Friday, 12 December 2025. Heavy rainfall is occurring over parts of the central east, North West and Central West. Weather Situation A humid and unstable airmass brings thunderstorms to broad areas of NSW today. HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas: Mid North Coast, Hunter, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes and Northern Tablelands 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 Tamworth, Bulahdelah, Putty and Walcha. Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Illawarra district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED. 44.2 mm was observed at Norah Head in the 30 minutes to 07:58 am. 61 mm was observed at Linden in the 2 hours to 07:30 am. 74.5 mm was observed at Kangy Angy in 2 hours to 06:17 am. 70 mm was observed at Lake Macquarie in 3 hours to 03:30 am. Cancellation for the following areas: Illawarra The State Emergency Service advises that people should: * Keep clear of creeks and storm drains. * Don't 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. * Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. * After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides. * Unplug computers and appliances. * Avoid using the phone during the storm. * Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well. * Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires. * 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 4:35 pm. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.