Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Damaging Winds And Large Hailstones for parts of Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains and Upper Western Forecast Districts. Issued at 6:51 pm Saturday, 31 October 2026. Scattered severe thunderstorms developing in the next few hours over the central inland of the state. Weather Situation A cold front will move eastwards across the south of NSW this afternoon and evening, tending to slow and stall over northern parts of the state. Moderate instability east of this feature, combined with moderate to strong winds in the upper levels, will aid in the development of isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening. DAMAGING WINDS and LARGE HAILSTONES for the following areas: Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains and Upper Western Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Dubbo, Walgett, Parkes, Mungindi, Coonabarabran and Coonamble. Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Riverina, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED. Cancellation for the following areas: Illawarra,South Coast,South West Slopes,Riverina,Southern Tablelands,Australian Capital Territory,Snowy Mountains The State Emergency Service advises that people should: * Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains. * Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony. * Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences. * Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill. * Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well. For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500. Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au). The next warning is due to be issued by 9:55 pm. Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.