UPDATE: The Newell Highway has been closed after a powerpole caught alight and snapped near Boggabilla.
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The highway has been shut 15km south of Boggabilla with crews from Essential Energy and the RFS on scene.
Diversions are in place through Garah and Boomi, into Goondiwindi.
There is no forecast as to when the road will reopen.
Meanwhile, the southbound lane of the Newell Highway is blocked at Narrabri near Murrumbilla Ln after a tree fall.
Severe storm warning alert
4.27pm UPDATE: The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm for parts of the North West Slopes and Plains and further afield.
Wild weather is predicted for people in the North West Slopes and Plains, Northern Tablelands and parts of the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Hunter.
Among those areas of concern are Grafton, Taree, Armidale, Tenterfield, Inverell, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Moree, Narrabri, Casino, Kyogle and Dorrigo.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.
Locations which may be affected include Armidale, Tenterfield, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Moree and Narrabri.
The State Emergency Service advises people should:
- Move your car under cover or away from trees.
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
- Keep clear of fallen power lines.
- 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.
- Unplug computers and appliances.
- Avoid using the phone during the storm.
- Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
- For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
The next warning is due to be issued by 5pm.