UPDATE 3PM
Forbes has now been included in a severe weather warning for heavy rain and damaging winds. See the storm preparation advice below.
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Friday morning
A severe weather warning has been issued for southern and central west parts of the state, with Forbes on the edge of the region that could be affected.
The Bureau of Meteorology advises that a significantly warm and humid airmass has been building over the west of the state for the last couple of weeks.
This will interact with an approaching cold front that is forecast to move through NSW this weekend, forming a low over the inland on Saturday and generating widespread heavy downpours with embedded thunderstorms. Gale force winds are also forecast over the Alpine peaks.
Heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding is likely over the Riverina, South West Slopes, parts of the Lower Western, southern parts of the Central West Slopes and Plains and the western parts of the Southern Tablelands, Australian Capital Territory and the Snowy Mountains districts during Friday and Saturday.
The heaviest falls are mostly expected to be during the latter half of the day on Friday, and throughout Saturday.
48 hour totals of in excess of 100 mm are likely some locations within these areas, with localised falls possibly more than double this, especially closer to the ranges near the Victorian border.
Damaging winds, averaging 80 to 90 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 110 km/h are possible over the Alpine peaks above 1900 metres during late Friday and throughout Saturday.
Locations which may be affected include Yass, Condobolin, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Young, West Wyalong, Tumbarumba, Deniliquin, Griffith, Hay, Narrandera and Thredbo.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles 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 on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, as shown on your power bill.
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
