31K views · 654 reactions | An intense hailstorm has impacted Lithgow, Central NSW this evening. Most of the hail was small, but the longevity of the storm allowed hail to cover backyards. Video sent into HSC by Sue C. Licensing via Severe Weather Australia | Higgins Storm Chasing | Facebook

FLOOD WATCH: As severe thunderstorms move through central parts of NSW, heavy rainfall has caused parts of #Lithgow to flood. The main street was closed today, as low-lying businesses and homes struggled to keep the muddy waters at bay. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for parts of the North and South Coast, with heavy rain and damaging winds forecast. DETAILS: 9Soci.al/PhVJ30s6Tm6 #9News | Nightly at 6pm | 9 News Sydney

17K views · 386 reactions | The New South Wales bushfire crisis is tonight centred on Lithgow, two hours west of Sydney. Homes are being destroyed as flames spread through suburban streets. www.7NEWS.com.au #7NEWS | 7NEWS Melbourne | Facebook

As we move away from coal fired power, we need to think about what the economic future of towns like Lithgow look like. Why is the State Government buying trains from South Korea and buses from Malaysia instead of designing and building them here in New South Wales? Communities in the Upper Blue Mountains and Central West need an economic future beyond digging up and then burning coal but the Liberal and National Parties are doing nothing to help secure that for them. | Trish Doyle MP