RESIDENTS were told to batten down the hatches as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warned of severe thunderstorms headed toward Armidale on Wednesday.
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The warning said thunderstorms were likely to produce large hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding in the next several hours.
Armidale and Tamworth were expected to be affected and BOM meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse said the thunderstorms were likely to intensify in northern NSW through the afternoon and into tonight.
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"These storms can produce damaging winds, a heavy burst of rainfall and damaging hailstones as well," she said.
"We are expecting those storms to be more widespread with severe thunderstorms in amongst that.
"Pretty much most of the state can expect some thunderstorm activity ... it's more likely we will see thunderstorms toward the northern inland."
The State Emergency Service (SES) warned that trees damaged by bushfires are more likely to fall, and residents should keep clear of creeks and storm drains and avoid flood waters.
"Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid," an SES statement said.
"After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater change of landslides.