Wagga and much of the Riverina has been issued a severe weather warning that could lead to flash flooding on Wednesday afternoon.
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Severe thunderstorms are predicted for a large swathe of the state, from Hay in the west right across to the east coast, and from south to Tumbarumba almost to the Queensland border.
These thunderstorms "are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding ... over the next several hours", the Bureau of Meterology [BoM] warned in an alert issued around 1.45pm.
As well as Wagga, the warning covers other major NSW centres of Lismore, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Wollonong, Armidale, Orange, Canberra, Goulburn, Tamworth, Moree and Dubbo.
In other news
Lake Burley Griffin recorded a huge 21mm dumping in the 30 minutes to 11.45am.
The low pressure trough that has brought big rain and flooding to the state's northern coast is weakening, according to the BoM.
Another trough developing over inland NSW today as a cold front passes to the south will bring more showers and thunderstorms to the eastern half of the state for the rest of the week.
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
- Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks
- After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides
- 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.