The warning covers parts of the state’s south-east. Image: Bureau of Meteorology.
Severe thunderstorms are forming across the capital region, bringing the potential for flash flooding and damaging winds.
In a weather warning issued shortly before 5 pm on Wednesday (14 January), the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warned that severe thunderstorms were developing.
This means damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain could hit communities in southern NSW, including Braidwood, Goulburn and Crookwell in the state’s south-east.
It’s all part of a low-pressure trough set to arrive today and then last until the weekend.
Up to 60 millimetres of rain is forecast for parts of the state’s south-east and the ACT, though rainfall totals will vary depending on location.
According to the BoM, Jingera (a locality in the Snowy Monaro region) saw 24.6 mm in the 30 minutes to 3:22 pm, while Upper Lachlan Shire’s Narrawa was hit with 26.6 mm in the 30 minutes to 3:43 pm.
On the South Coast, the wet weather is also being welcomed by firefighters as they continue working to control a major blaze in a national park.
The Brassknocker Fire Trail blaze within the Wadbilliga National Park was first reported to authorities last Wednesday (7 January), and is believed to have been ignited by dry lightning.
The fire has burned through more than 3550 hectares and is being controlled by firefighters.
In a statement on Wednesday afternoon (14 January), the NSW RFS Far South Coast Team said firefighters were being pulled back ahead of the rain’s arrival.
“As this weather system moves in, it brings the potential for strong, erratic winds. Because of this risk, we have made the call to temporarily pull our crews back to safer locations,” the spokesperson outlined in a statement.
“The combination of wind and rain can make the fireground hazardous due to falling trees and slippery tracks.
“Please be assured that as soon as this weather threat lifts, our crews will be straight back out there to assess the situation and get back to work.”
Over the past few days, the crews have been working to backburn around the blaze, hoping to remove some fuel.
“Crews have spent the day taking full advantage of the cooler weather to strengthen our position ahead of the forecast rain,” the spokesperson said.
“This has involved using heavy machinery to remove dangerous trees, while ground crews have been extinguishing hot spots to work us closer towards containment.”
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 8 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
- 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 (NSW and ACT) on 132 500. The latest forecasts and warnings are available through the BoM’s website or the BOM Weather app.
People can check if their bushfire survival plan is adequate by downloading the NSW RFS guide. Report all unattended fires to Triple Zero (000).
