Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall for parts of Upper Western Forecast District. Issued at 4:54 am Wednesday, 18 March 2026. Heavy rainfall about the Upper Western today. Weather Situation Ample tropical moisture extends over the centre of the country with a surface trough extending into the far northwest of the state. Meanwhile an upper trough is moving across eastern South Australia. This combination will lead to heavy rainfall in the far northwest of the state today. HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas: Upper Western HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the Upper Western district today. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely. Conditions are expected to ease below warning thresholds during this evening. 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, White Cliffs, Fowlers Gap and Milparinka. 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 Wednesday. 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.