EMERGENCY service personnel were kept busy when thunderstorms across New South Wales Thursday afternoon and evening impacted many areas including North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Tablelands, the Hunter, Illawarra and Sydney districts.

Appin and Douglas Park experienced severe storm impact with many trees brought down, damaged roofs and uprooted fences. The main access route of Appin Road was closed in both directions for a number of hours. NSW SES led the response with assistance from other emergency services organisations, utility companies and the Wollondilly Shire Council.

Around 50 emergency crews from the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Police worked through the night to restore access.

Appin Road was reopened to the public around 2am.

Crews will continue to be active today in and around Appin assisting with clean-up efforts.

Meanwhile, NSW SES volunteers were kept busy in Western Zone with 48 incidents, including large trees in Wellington which closed roads and damaged properties.

Looking further ahead, widespread showers are expected during Friday through to Sunday combining with possible thunderstorms.

A flood watch is in place for minor to moderate flooding for the following catchments:

Colo River minor flooding;

Macdonald River;

Castlereagh River minor flooding;

Macquarie River to Bathurst minor flooding;

Macquarie River d/s Burrendong Dam minor flooding;

Bogan River minor flooding;

Lachlan River to Cotton’s Weir minor flooding;

Belubula River minor to moderate flooding;

Mandagery Creek minor flooding;

Tumut River minor flooding;

Upper Murrumbidgee River to Burrinjuck Dam and Cooma Ck minor flooding; and

Queanbeyan and Molonglo Rivers minor flooding;

Flooding is dependent on thunderstorm and rainfall activity which will be closely monitored.

For the latest information and warnings visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au