Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Damaging Winds And Heavy Rainfall for parts of Hunter, Metropolitan, Central Tablelands, Riverina, Lower Western and Central West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts. Issued at 6:22 pm Friday, 19 December 2025. Severe storms continue to move north affecting parts of the hunter and Central Tablelands. Weather Situation Scattered thunderstorms have developed over a broad area in a hot and unstable airmass in place ahead of a surface trough situated in far southwest of the state. Additional isolated severe storms have developed in Western Sydney and now in the western Hunter and may continue into the early evening. DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas: Hunter, Metropolitan, Central Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, Riverina and Lower Western Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Hunter, Metropolitan and Central Tablelands districts. Locations which may be affected include Penrith, Muswellbrook, Putty, Glen Davis, Springwood and Bilpin. Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Riverina, Lower Western and Central West Slopes and Plains districts. Locations which may be affected include Deniliquin, Griffith, Hay, Wentworth, Narrandera and Balranald. Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Illawarra district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED. A 100 km/h wind gust was observed at High Range at 4:15 pm. Cancellation for the following areas: Illawarra 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. * 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. * 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.gov.au). The next warning is due to be issued by 9:25 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.