A SEVERE thunderstorm warning has been issued for the region this afternoon.
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The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) extended the warning area to include Tamworth and Gunnedah just before 3pm on Monday.
"Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours," the BoM warning reads.
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The State Emergency Service (SES) advises that people should:
- Move cars undercover
- Secure loose items around your home, yard and balcony
- Stay away from fallen powerlines and report them to authorities
- Keep clear of trees, creeks and drains
- Don't enter flood water
- Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently
- 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, the SES team can be reached by calling 132 500.
In a life threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
The BoM forecast for Tamworth on Monday shows a 95 per cent chance of rain, and the chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon or evening.
Heavy rain in the Tamworth area during the past few weeks has wreaked havoc on the roads, and Tamworth Regional Council confirmed Burgmanns Lane remained closed on Monday.
Council staff were on site clearing debris in the hope to open the road soon.
The approaches to a bridge on the Limbri-Weabonga Road - Shearan Bridge - were washed away in storms late last year.
Another update on the storm warning will be issued by the BoM before 6pm on Monday.
Find the warnings at the BoM website: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN21033.shtml
