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 Metropolitan and parts of Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains and Hunter Forecast Districts. Issued at 3:42 pm Saturday, 3 October 2026. Severe thunderstorms through central and southeastern parts of the state. Weather Situation Severe thunderstorms continue about a surface trough through central and southeastern parts of the state. DAMAGING WINDS, LARGE HAILSTONES and HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas: Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands 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 Sydney, Wollongong, Katoomba, Penrith, Parramatta and Bowral. Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Southern Tablelands district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED. Cancellation for the following areas: Southern Tablelands 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 6:45 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.