A trough of low pressure combined with a moist, unstable atmosphere is triggering severe thunderstorms across western and central NSW and all the ACT.

Late on Saturday afternoon the Bureau of Meteorology issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning
for heavy rainfall, damaging winds and large hailstones.

The ACT SES says it has crews out already responding to calls for help.

BoM says: “Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Southern Tablelands, Riverina, Snowy Mountains, Australian Capital Territory and parts of the Central Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Lower Western and South Coast districts.

“Locations which may be affected include Canberra, Goulburn, Cooma, Yass, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Griffith, Hay and Ivanhoe.

“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Southern Tablelands district. Locations which may be affected include Yass.”

The SES advises the community to:
Stay indoors away from windows.
Keep at least eight metres from fallen power lines.
*Never drive walk or ride through floodwater.

Anyone needing support during storms or floods should call 132500.