Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall for parts of Mid North Coast, Hunter, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts. Issued at 8:41 pm Saturday, 21 February 2026. LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL NEAR SCONE. Weather Situation Slow moving thunderstorms over the Upper Hunter this evening in a moist unstable atmosphere may become locally severe at times. HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL for the following areas: Mid North Coast, Hunter, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Hunter district. Locations which may be affected include Scone. Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Mid North Coast, Hunter, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands districts. Locations which may be affected include Scone, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Putty, Merriwa and Murrurundi. 81.6 MM WAS RECORDED AT KINGDON PONDS (YARRANDI BRIDGE) IN THE 2 HOURS TO 7:49 PM 80 MM WAS RECORDED AT SCONE IN THE 2 HOURS TO 8 PM. 52 mm was recorded at Comboyne (Thorne River) in the 60 min to 5:15 pm. 96 km/h wind gust was recorded at Scone at 6:21 pm. The State Emergency Service advises that people should: * 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 11:45 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.