Editor’s note: Vision and photos from Ulladulla available here - https://spaces.hightail.com/space/EmeLSiIady
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) received more than 100 calls for assistance on Saturday (to 5pm) as severe thunderstorms moved across Southern and Central parts of the state, including in Ulladulla where a mini tornado impacted the CBD.
Severe weather is expected to cause heavy rainfall and damaging winds in Greater Sydney this evening, and NSW SES teams remain on standby ready to assist people calling 132 500.
The busiest NSW SES units across the state today have been Ulladulla, Albury, Culcairn, Goulburn and Queanbeyan.
In Ulladulla, NSW SES crews and partner emergency service personnel are responding to nearly 30 calls for assistance as a mini tornado blew roofs off properties and downed trees and powerlines. People are urged to keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines and report any damage to the NSW SES.
NSW SES has issued two advice-level warnings for people in Greater Sydney, Central Tablelands, South Coast and Central West to monitor conditions, as severe thunderstorms are forecast to continue this evening.
These thunderstorms could bring flash flooding, damaging winds, and large hail, with heavy rainfall up to 100mm possible.
NSW SES is prepared to respond to further calls for assistance, with teams currently active throughout the risk areas.
Communities are urged to steer clear of floodwater. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route.
Stay across the latest warnings and advice by downloading the Hazards Near me app or visiting the NSW SES website.
If you need assistance during storms and floods, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
Impacts yesterday, Friday 2 October 2026:
Yesterday, severe thunderstorms brought damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rain to the Riverina and Central West. The most impact was seen in Albury, where NSW SES teams responded to localised flash flooding and storm damage.
At Jindera, SES crews from Culcairn Unit worked alongside RFS crews and council to assist with sandbagging and cleanup after Bowna Creek broke its banks and caused flooding across roads and yards.
In Narrandera, volunteers from the NSW SES Coolamon Unit responded to a house with significant structural damage after it was struck by lightning. The house was assessed as uninhabitable due to the damage.
OPERATIONAL STATISTICS –
Total event incidents (since 11am, Thursday 1 October):
Calls to state operations centre: 436
Flood rescues: 1
In the last 24 hours to 5pm Saturday, 3 October –
Statewide incidents: 132
By zone –
Northern Zone: 5
Metro Zone: 28
North Western Zone: 1
North Eastern Zone: 1
Western Zone: 3
South Eastern Zone: 64
Southern Zone: 30
State Units: 0
