A severe weather warning issued for the Riverina earlier today has been upgraded to include large hailstones as well as damaging winds.
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Severe thunderstorms are expected to hit Wagga and parts of the Riverina over the next few hours, prompting a warning from the Bureau of Meteorology.
The earlier warning declared damaging winds are predicted as the storms hit a south-eastern pocket of the region, before an update just after noon expanded to include a large section of the northern Riverina and parts of the South West Slopes.
Wagga, Albury, Griffith, Hay, Yass and Canberra are to be on the alert, the BoM said.
Storms have already wreaked havoc on the Border, with tens of thousands of homes left without power and major networks reporting issues with mobile coverage.
Thunderstorms are likely in the morning and afternoon, the BoM forecast, as a front crosses NSW and bringing unsettled conditions with it.
In other news
The State Emergency Service encourages people to move cars under cover or away from trees and to secure or put away loose items around the house and yard.
It also advises the public to:
- 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.
- Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
- Unplug computers and appliances.
- Avoid using the phone during the storm.
- Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
- Stay vigilant and monitor conditions.
- Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
- For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
Daisy Huntly
You'll find my byline on breaking news, live blogs and anything in between. Got a tip? Email dhuntly@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
You'll find my byline on breaking news, live blogs and anything in between. Got a tip? Email dhuntly@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
