The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Hunter Valley on Monday afternoon.
Unyielding weather, including damaging winds and large hailstones, are moving across the north-east of the state.
But, experts predict it could get worse within hours throughout the region.
“A trough and cold front moving across the east of the state is combining with an upper trough, producing gusty and fast-moving thunderstorms over north-eastern NSW,” a BoM spokesperson said.
“Severe thunderstorms will contract north throughout the afternoon and evening.
“And, it’s likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones in areas such as Newcastle and Gosford.
“Sydney airport recorded a 115 km/h gust at 10.28am on 12 December, while Richmond RAAF recorded an 85km/h gust at 10.25am.”
The NSW 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 at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences
- Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill
- Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall
- Unplug computers and appliances
- Avoid using the phone during the storm
- Stay indoors away from windows and keep children and pets indoors as well
- Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires
For emergency help in floods and storms, phone the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
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