Severe Thunderstorms Expected In NSW

Sydney, March 24: Severe thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rainfall likely for parts of New South Wales Parts of eastern New South Wales, extending into the northern and central inland, can expect widespread rainfall over the coming days as a moist onshore flow interacts with a surface trough and upper-atmospheric low. Localised heavy rainfall is possible, particularly with thunderstorms, which may also bring gusty winds and large hail. Rainfall is not expected to cause significant or widespread flooding like that experienced earlier in March. The Bureau's Hazard, Preparedness and Response Manager for NSW, Ailsa Schofield said while most communities will see moderate rainfall accumulations during the next week, the higher totals are more likely to come with thunderstorms that are expected to be more isolated than widespread. Thunderstorm activity will continue throughout Thursday and over the weekend. Rainfall totals of around 20-30mm a day are possible in parts of the east and northwest inland for the coming week, particularly between Wollongong and the south-east Queensland border. There is a chance of 30-40mm of rain across the Mid North Coast each day until Sunday, with showers into next week. It will also be cooler than average for this time of year but will remain fairly humid. A Flood Watch, which notes the potential for flooding based on the forecast rainfall, notes that minor flooding is possible for some catchments along the North Coast and Mid North Coast from Thursday. A Flood Watch is current for the Bellinger, Nambucca and Upper Macintyre rivers with potential for minor flooding in these areas. An Initial Moderate Flood Warning has been issued for the Wollombi Brook at Bulga, where minor flooding is expected Thursday evening, and moderate flooding may occur Friday morning. With catchments remaining saturated from recent rainfall events, there is an increased risk of flash flooding and riverine rises with potential for minor flooding for parts of the Mid North Coast, and areas around the Hunter and Northern rivers. Communities should be prepared for weather impacts and are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings on the Bureau's website and BOM Weather app, and to follow the advice of emergency services.