In Short

• Major Inundation: The Silver City Highway is affected by significant floodwaters near Fowler’s Gap, which recorded 66.2mm in just six hours on Sunday evening.
• Travel Warning: Motorists traveling from Hay, Balranald, and the Central Darling are urged to check road conditions via Live Traffic NSW; never drive through floodwaters.
• Arid Zone Alert: With annual rainfall typically under 200mm, dry creek beds are transforming into fast-flowing rivers, posing a major risk to isolated properties and travelers.

Outback Deluge: Silver City Highway Flooded as Tropical Rain Batters Far West

Spectacular yet dangerous scenes have emerged from the far west of New South Wales as a humid tropical airmass has dumped significant rainfall across the region. The Silver City Highway near Fowler’s Gap Station is currently inundated, with rainfall totals across the district climbing as high as 118mm.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has issued severe weather advice for flash flooding, specifically highlighting risks for communities in Tibooburra, Wanaaring, Louth, and Milparinka.

While the Silver City Highway was recently fully sealed to improve flood immunity, the sheer volume of water has tested the new infrastructure's numerous floodways and low-level crossings.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned that while daytime maximums remain high (30°C to 37°C), the risk of severe thunderstorms remains. These storms can bring damaging winds and large hail alongside intense bursts of rain.

SES Reminder: Conditions in the outback change rapidly. If it's flooded, forget it. For emergency assistance, contact the NSW SES on 132 500. If life is at risk, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.