Peak Hill scores 64mm as storms bring rain in central NSW

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued another storm forecast map for today (Tuesday) as storm clouds build again. The advisory, not a warning, covers the breadth of the state, with severe storms possible in the central, south-west and southern areas.

Instead of dropping a little rain, the storms have brought good rain in some parts including in the Blue Mountains where the fire danger has dropped due to increased soil moisture levels. A rainfall reading though of 154mm yesterday at Springwood is being investigated by the hydro team at the BOM as it appears to be out of whack, compared to what has happened on the ground. But the Rural Fire Service says rain in the central areas of the Blue Mountains has helped raise soil moisture levels in the last week. Springwood has recorded close to 100mm in the last four days.

But there were top recordings  in central NSW areas and further south in the Riverina and South-West Slopes at Wagga Wagga, which had 28mm. Some of the top falls were at Peak Hill with 64mm, Temora 35mm, Orange 24mm, Manildra 30mm, Canobolas with 25mm  and Cudal 31mm. The rain was localised in most places, for instance Dubbo had 1mm, but Yeoval recorded 12mm.

More than 1000 properties were affected by power outages in Orange after the storms.

A number of Orange businesses were without power. Western NSW also had a little rain with Cobar recording 6mm.