ABOVE: A previous storm west of the range. Photo: Susanna Freymark
The storm is over. Below is our original story.
Original story
The skies are dark and ominous. Thunder rumbles in the distance. The air is buzzing with the oncoming storm.
A moist and unstable airmass east of a surface trough has combined with an upper trough, increasing the risk of severe thunderstorms across eastern and northeastern NSW today according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large, possibly giant hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Northern Rivers,.
The locations most likely to be impacted are Casino, Kyogle, Tabulam, Urbenville, Woodenbong and Bonalbo.
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), 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.
● 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. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
● For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
and then