Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall for Upper Western and parts of Lower Western Forecast Districts. Issued at 4:39 am Tuesday, 24 February 2026. HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL IN THE NORTHWEST. Weather Situation An extremely humid airmass lies over central Australia, focused around a slow-moving tropical low over the southern Northern Territory. A trough extending into the northwest of NSW is forecast to deepen today, increasing the risk of heavy falls. HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL for the following areas: Lower Western and Upper Western HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast about parts of the Upper Western district, spreading to parts of the Lower Western district during today. Six hour rainfall totals between 30 and 60 mm are likely. 24 hour rainfall totals between 50 and 90 mm are likely, with isolated totals to 130 mm possible. Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible with isolated thunderstorms, more likely near the SA border. Isolated six hour rainfall totals of around 90 mm are possible. There remains uncertainty around the location of the heaviest falls, as well as the future movement and strength of the low pressure system that is driving this weather. Periods of heavy rainfall may affect western New South Wales until the middle of the week. Flood Watches and Warnings are current for the area. Please refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts/ for more information. Locations which may be affected include Tibooburra, Broken Hill, Wilcannia, White Cliffs, Wanaaring and Menindee. 113MM WAS RECORDED AT WINNATHEE (NEAR THE SA BORDER) IN THE 6 HOURS TO 6:47PM Monday. The State Emergency Service advises that people should: * Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water. * Keep clear of creeks and storm drains. * If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue. 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 Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AEDT Tuesday. 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.