BATHURST residents have been warned to brace for extreme weather this afternoon with the combination of a tropical air mass and trough of low pressure forecast to trigger thunderstorms across the Central West.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for much of central NSW over the next few hours.
Steady rain is already falling across much of Bathurst with 12mm recorded at Bathurst Airport over the past two hours.
The low-level bridge on Hereford Street remains open with Bathurst Regional Council and the SES continuing to monitor the situation.
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
"[It is] likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours," the bureau's warning states.
"Locations which may be affected include Orange, Mudgee, Bathurst, Katoomba, Parkes and Condobolin.
"Possible severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar. The primary risk over Central Tablelands is heavy rainfall due to the increased point-based exposure due to a succession of storms moving in a similar direction."
The bureau says rotating thunderstorms over southern Central West Slopes and Plains are expected to produce large hail and damaging winds, with the potential for heavy rainfall.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move your car under cover or away from trees.
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
- Keep at least eight 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.
- 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. The next warning is due to be issued by 4.05pm.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.westernadvocate.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
