The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Lismore and most of the Northern Rivers for heavy rainfall.

A cold front combined with humid and unstable atmospheric conditions is generating isolated severe thunderstorms across northern parts of NSW this evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Byron Bay, Kyogle, Evans Head, Urbenville and Ballina.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the North West Slopes and Plains and Upper Western districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

48 mm was recorded at Bellingen in the 30 minutes to 4:48 pm.

Safety advice

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
• If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
• Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.

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

Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.gov.au).

Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.

The next warning is due to be issued by 1:40 am Tuesday.