Warnings

Severe Storm Warning (Giant Hail, Winds & Rain) Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury, Gosford/Wyong, Syd, Wollondilly/Wingecarribee Thu 15 Jan 2026

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning 
for Giant Hailstones, Damaging Winds And Heavy Rainfall

for parts of Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury, Gosford/Wyong, Sydney, Wollondilly/Wingecarribee and Greater Wollongong areas.

Issued at 6:22 pm Thursday, 15 January 2026.

POSSIBLE GIANT HAIL WITH STORMS SOUTH OF BOWRAL

GIANT HAILSTONES, DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL for the following areas:
Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury, Gosford/Wyong, Sydney, Wollondilly/Wingecarribee and Greater Wollongong
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 6:20 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce large, possibly giant hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding was detected near Kangaroo Valley and Fitzroy Falls. This thunderstorm is moving towards the east. It is forecast to affect Jamberoo by 6:50 pm and Kiama, Gerringong and Shellharbour by 7:20 pm.
 Another severe thunderstorm likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding was detected near Bilpin and the Wollemi National Park north of Kurrajong. This thunderstorm is moving towards the east. It is forecast to affect Colo Heights, Maroota and Colo by 6:50 pm and Calga, St Albans and the Yengo National Park northwest of St Albans by 7:20 pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
 * Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains.
 * 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), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
 * 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.
 * Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
 For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
 Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).
A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Hunter, Illawarra, South Coast and parts of the Mid North Coast, Metropolitan, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Snowy Mountains, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains and Upper Western districts.
 Other warnings may be current.

The next warning is due to be issued by 7:25 pm.
Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.