Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Damaging Winds, Large Hailstones And Heavy Rainfall for parts of Hunter, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Central West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts. Issued at 10:40 pm Saturday, 31 October 2026. Isolated severe thunderstorms continuing over parts of the central west and northern inland for the next few hours. Weather Situation A cold front over central parts of NSW is moving slowly eastwards over northern parts of the state overnight. Moderate instability remaining in place east of this feature, combined with strong winds in the upper levels, will aid in the development of isolated to scattered severe thunderstorms overnight. DAMAGING WINDS, LARGE HAILSTONES and HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas: Hunter, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Central West Slopes and Plains Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Merriwa, Dunedoo and Gulgong. 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.act.gov.au). The next warning is due to be issued by 1:40 am Sunday. 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.