Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall, Large Hailstones And Damaging Winds for parts of Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan and Central Tablelands Forecast Districts. Issued at 4:26 pm Saturday, 21 February 2026. Localised severe thunderstorms this afternoon. Weather Situation Slow moving thunderstorms forming along the eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range this afternoon in a moist unstable atmosphere may become locally severe at times. HEAVY RAINFALL, LARGE HAILSTONES and DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan and Central Tablelands Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the Hunter, Metropolitan and Central Tablelands districts. Locations which may be affected include Singleton, Cessnock and Wollombi. 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 and Hunter districts. Locations which may be affected include Taree, Comboyne, Gloucester, Wauchope and Wingham. 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 7:30 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.