THE Bureau of Meteorology has warned of severe thunderstorms moving through the Hunter to the north-west of Newcastle.
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The rain belt, which stretched from north of Grafton to just north of Yass, was expected to pass over Scone and parts of the Hunter region, the Bureau had predicted.
Meteorologists warned heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones in the region on Wednesday evening.
Hail stones around three centimetres were observed at Leura in the Blue Mountains around 3pm, with wind gusts up to around 91 kilometres per hour and heavy rain around 4.30pm at Nullo Mountain.
Ausgrid has warned residents to stay at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines.
The State Emergency Service advises that residents 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 on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, as shown on your power bill.
- 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 (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
