Orange residents have been warned to batten down the hatches ahead of a severe thunderstorm forecast for the region over the next few hours.
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The Bureau of Meteorology has issued the warning for people living in parts of the Central Tablelands, South West Slopes, Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains and Riverina forecast districts.
Cities and towns which may be impacted by the extreme weather include Orange, Bathurst, Mudgee, Dubbo, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Albury, West Wyalong and Tumbarumba.
It has been a hot, windy day across the Orange region to mark the first day of summer.
The temperature has reached a maximum of 32.8 degrees Celsius at the bureau's official weather station at Orange Airport where there have already been wind gusts of up to 52km/h recorded around lunch time.
A total fire ban remains in place across the region.
To prepare for possible damaging winds this afternoon, 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.
- Not walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
- 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.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
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