Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall for Australian Capital Territory and parts of Mid North Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains and Central Tablelands Forecast Districts. Issued at 5:17 pm Saturday, 7 March 2026. Heavy rainfall ongoing with thunderstorms about central eastern New South Wales this afternoon. Weather Situation A trough of low-pressure combines with exceptionally high atmospheric moisture to produce slow moving thunderstorms with heavy to intense rainfall over parts of the southeastern New South Wales. HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas: Mid North Coast, Hunter, Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Nowra, Canberra, Scone, Parkes, Braidwood and Young. 35.0 mm was recorded at Majors Creek in the 30 minutes to 4:15 pm. 51.0 mm was recorded at Parkes Airport in the 1 hour to 4:15 pm. 61.0 mm was recorded at East Kangaloon in the 2 hours to 4:15 pm. 33.0 mm was recorded at Orange in the 1 hour to 12:35 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 8:20 pm. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.