Griffith is set for a possible severe thunderstorm on Monday afternoon after the Bureau of Meteorology issued a Severe Weather Warning for widespread storm activity for large parts of Western and Central NSW.
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There is a warning of the possibility of damaging, locally destructive winds, hail and heavy rains for wide areas of NSW including the Riverina and the South Western slopes and plains.
The storms are forecast for this afternoon after a warm day in Griffith with top temperature of 26 degrees.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across all but the far northeast and southwest of the state today, becoming more frequent about the western slopes, ranges and the central inland plains during this afternoon.
Zone Commander for the NSW State Emergency Service (NSWSES) Western Zone, David Monk warned thunderstorm activity may become severe with the risk of heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts.
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"Thunderstorms are already occurring in the far northern inland and are forecast to affect a broad area of NSW today (Monday), with the exception of the northeast and southwest corners," Mr Monk said.
"Thunderstorm activity is expected to become more frequent and intense during this afternoon and evening before gradually shifting to central and eastern parts of the state."
Mr Monk advises people to secure or remove any loose items such as outdoor furniture, marquees and trampolines due to the potential for strong winds during the passing storm front.
"Drivers should take extreme care and drive to conditions due to the potential for flash flooding," he stressed.
"The majority of flood rescues we attend are due to stranded motorists who, if they had taken an alternate route or waited until the flood water subsided, wouldn't have needed to be rescued."Damaging wind gusts are the main concern associated with these severe thunderstorms, with heavy rainfall while large hailstones are also possible," Mr Monk concluded.
People are reminded that for emergency help during floods and storms, to call the SES on 132 500, in a life-threatening emergency call 000 (triple zero).