A SEVERE weather warning for heavy rainfall, damaging and destructive winds, and hailstones has been issued for the Central West.
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The warning was issued by the Bureau of Meteorology at 4.04pm on Thursday and it covers the entire region, including the Blue Mountains.
“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, damaging, locally destructive winds and large, possibly giant hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours,” the warning states.
The State Emergency Service (SES) 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 on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, as shown on your power bill.
- 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.
- Unplug computers and appliances.
- Avoid using the phone during the storm.
- Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
This is the second severe weather warning in as many days for the region after one was issued on Wednesday afternoon leaving thousands of people in the Central West without power.
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Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
