The warning was issued at 12.54pm and was aimed at preparing residents for the storm’s likely arrival “over the next several hours”.

The impacted area covers parts of the Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, the Illawarra, Central West Slopes and Plains and ACT, in addition to Central West cities including Bathurst, Cowra and Young.

The State Emergency Service advised people should move their car under cover or away from trees, secure or put away loose items around their house, yard and balcony, and keep at least eight metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.

Other recommended precautions include keeping clear of creeks and storm drains; not walking, riding a bike or driving a vehicle through flood water; unplugging computers and appliances; avoiding using the phone during the storm; and staying indoors away from windows.

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.

The warning follows a storm on Thursday night which required SES personnel to clean up around 60 trees felled on or near Ophir Road to Orange’s north.