UPDATE as at 5:55:50pm on Thursday 22 December 2022:

Weather Situation: a trough in the west of the state is combining with a moist and unstable airmass to produce thunderstorms this evening, mostly in the northwest of the state.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Coonamble, Nyngan, Tibooburra, Cobar, White Cliffs and Milparinka.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Riverina district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

WARNING as at Thursday 22 Dec 22 4:42:48 PM:

Severe Thunderstorm Warning for DAMAGING WINDS, LARGE HAILSTONES and HEAVY RAINFALL for people in parts of Central West Slopes and Plains, Lower Western and Upper Western Forecast Districts which may lead to FLASH FLOODING. Locations which may be affected include Nyngan, Cobar, Wilcannia, WhiteCliffs and FowlersGap.

ABOVE: SES has announced a severe thunderstorm warning at 2:55pm Thursday 22 December.

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)
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
• Unplug computers and appliances.
• Stay indoors away from windows, and keep pets indoors as well.
• Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.

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