The Bureau of Meteorology have advised that severe thunderstorms will be continuing over central and northern inland parts of NSW today, issuing an alert at 5.20am this morning.

The forecast today is for 100% chance of showers today along with the risk of thunderstorms in some areas.

A slow moving low pressure system over northwest NSW is drawing in a deep, tropical airmass over central and eastern Australia resulting in an active area of thunderstorms during the early morning, particularly over the northern inland parts of the state.

According to the alert severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours.

Locations which may be affected include Walgett, Coonamble, Nyngan, Mungindi, Moree and Narrabri.

Lower rainfall yesterday

Rainfall yesterday was relatively light and patchy across the western plains with official readings showing Bourke with the highest falls of 39.8mm in the 24 hours to 9am today (Thursday 20 October), with 32.8mm of that total falling after 11.30pm last night. 

Other top falls recorded over the past 24 hours include Girilambone weather station has recorded 21mm up to 9am today, Coonabarabran airport 33.4mm, Walgett 18.4mm and Condobolin airport 15.8mm. 

Lighter falls were recorded in Cobar (2mm), Coonamble (4.2mm), Trangie (4.2mm), Brewon (4.8mm) and Lightning Ridge (5mm) in the 24 hours to 9am today. 

The lower-than-predicted rainfall yesterday has been welcomed across the inland, although flooding on the Macquarie, Bogan, Barwon and Darling rivers remains with alerts for Narromine (minor), Warren (major ongoing), Nyngan (moderate), Mulgawarrina/Gongolgon 

Keep an eye on closed roads 

The Kamilaroi Highway between Walgett and Brewarrina, and between Brewarrina and Bourke remains closed. 

A section of the Oxley Highway between Warren and Gilgandra is closed and being supervised 24/7 in an attempt to prevent vehicles entering dangerous roads.  

The section is closed to all vehicles between Warren and the RR202 Marthaguy Road intersection, approximately 4km from Warren due to flooding and road pavement damage.  

Floodwaters across the Oxley Highway near Warren. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

Warren Shire Council General Manager Gary Woodman said that this water may not recede any time soon.  

"It is anticipated this closure will be in place for some time, with deep, fast-flowing water overs some sections of the highway, severely damaged road pavement and additional rain expected in the coming week," Mr Woodman said. 

Water levels are continuing to slowly recede in flooded areas of Warren, but drivers are urged to keep a close eye on road closures and flood warnings.  

Actions ahead of thunderstorms

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.
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• 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.
• Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
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• 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.
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• Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
• After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.

• Unplug computers and appliances.
• Avoid using the phone during the storm.
• Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
• Stay vigilant and monitor conditions.

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.