Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall, Large Hailstones And Damaging Winds for parts of Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury, Maitland/Cessnock, Greater Newcastle, Gosford/Wyong and Sydney areas. Issued at 4:45 pm Saturday, 21 February 2026. Severe storms about the slopes of the Great Divide. HEAVY RAINFALL, LARGE HAILSTONES and DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury, Maitland/Cessnock, Greater Newcastle, Gosford/Wyong and Sydney The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:45 pm, severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds were detected near Wollombi and the Parr State Recreation Area. They are forecast to affect the Yengo National Park northwest of St Albans and Wisemans Ferry by 5:00 pm and St Albans and the area between Wollombi and Bucketty by 5:15 pm. 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). A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for parts of the Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan and Central Tablelands districts. Other warnings may be current. The next warning is due to be issued by 5:15 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.