Residents across the Western Plains have been warned to be conservative with travel amid a widespread storm sweeping across the region.

The Bureau of Meteorology advises severe thunderstorms are forming on a surface trough in a moist unstable airmass in inland NSW, assisted by an upper trough moving across the state.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Gunnedah, Narrabri, Walgett, Dubbo, Parkes and Cobar

This event may change quickly. NSW SES will monitor the situation and update warnings if the situation changes.

The SES has warned residents in those communities to:

• • Avoid unnecessary travel, move indoors, bring children and pets with you.
  • Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains.
  • If safe to do so, secure or put away items, such as outdoor furniture, trampolines and roofing iron that could blow around in strong winds.
  • Grab your emergency kit in case you lose power or need to leave your home.

Meanwhile widespread power outages continue from Cobar to Coolabah.

It's believed some mining production outside Cobar has halted due to the power being out, but Western Plains News App is yet to confirm the full extent of the impact on production.