Severe Weather Warning for Heavy Rainfall Issued for Upper Western New South Wales

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDN21037) for heavy rainfall. This high-priority alert is currently in effect for parts of the Upper Western Forecast District in New South Wales.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically covers parts of the Upper Western district. Specific locations that may be impacted by these conditions include:

• Tibooburra
• White Cliffs
• Fowlers Gap
• Milparinka

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents and travelers in the affected areas to take the following precautions:

• Do not drive, ride, or walk through flood water.
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and call 000 if you require rescue.
• For emergency assistance during floods and storms, contact the SES at 132 500.
• Monitor updates via the Hazards Near Me NSW app.

Expected Conditions

A combination of ample tropical moisture and a surface trough, paired with an upper trough moving across South Australia, is expected to produce heavy rainfall. Forecasters anticipate six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm. This intense rainfall may lead to dangerous flash flooding. Flood watches and warnings are currently active for the region.

Timeline

Heavy rainfall is expected to develop across the Upper Western district starting this evening, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. These conditions are forecast to persist into Wednesday, with rainfall expected to ease below warning thresholds by late Wednesday. The next update is scheduled to be issued by 11:00 pm AEDT Tuesday.