3-14-09 NOW; Australia NSW/ACT

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST


SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
for LARGE HAILSTONES, FLASH FLOODING and DAMAGING WIND
For people in the SOUTHERN TABLELANDS, ACT, SOUTH WEST SLOPES and parts of the SOUTH COAST, CENTRAL TABLELANDS, CENTRAL WEST SLOPES, CENTRAL WEST PLAINS and RIVERINA Forecast Districts.


Issued at 4:46 pm Saturday, 14 March 2009.


Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Wagga Wagga, Hay, Orange, Canberra, Goulburn, Cooma, Yass, Parkes and Albury.


2cm hail observed at Hay at about 4:30pm.


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 clear of fallen power lines.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* 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 next warning is due to be issued by 7:50 pm.


If severe thunderstorms develop in Canberra and Queanbeyan, a more detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued to people in this area.


Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 218. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.