Meteorological Office issues severe thunderstorm warning for Mudgee in central New South Wales | Guardian of Mudgee

The Meteorological Office has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for much of central New South Wales in the next few hours.

Regular rain is already falling over much of Mudgee with heavy rain earlier on Wednesday, albeit briefly.

“[It is] likely to produce destructive winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that could cause flash floods in the alert zone in the next few hours, ”the bureau’s warning said.

“Locations that could be affected include Orange, Mudgee, Bathurst, Katoomba, Parkes and Condobolin.

“Possible severe thunderstorms have been detected on weather radar. The main risk over the central plateaus is heavy precipitation due to increased point exposure due to a succession of storms moving in the same direction.”

The office says rotating thunderstorms on the south-central western slopes and plains are expected to produce hail and damaging winds, with the potential for heavy precipitation.

The state emergency service advises people to:

• Move your car under cover or away from trees.
• Secure or store loose items around your home, yard, and balcony.
• Stay at least eight meters away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energized, such as fences.
• Report downed power lines to Ausgrid (131,388), Endeavor Energy (131,003), Essential Energy (132,080) or Evoenergy (131,093) as shown on your utility bill.
• Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
• Stay away from streams and storm sewers.
• Do not walk, cycle, or drive in flood water.
• If you are trapped in a flash flood, seek refuge in the highest location available and call 000 if you need help.
• Be aware that precipitation runoff in fire affected areas may behave differently and be faster. It can also contain debris such as ash, dirt, trees and rocks.
• After bushfires, heavy rains and loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, increasing the risk of landslides.
• Unplug computers and devices.
• Avoid using the phone during the storm.
• Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets inside as well.
• Stay alert and watch the conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following the bushfires.

For emergency assistance with floods and storms, call the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132,500. The next warning should be issued at 4:05 PM.

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