The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Hunter region on Tuesday, December 7.
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The Bureau issued the warning at 4:17pm and said warned people in the Hunter to be aware of damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall.
"A broad upper trough over eastern Australia is aiding the development of thunderstorms across NSW this afternoon, some of which are severe," the Bureau said.
"Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours."
The Bureau said the next warning is due to be issued at 7:20pm.
The Bureau said the weather warning also applies to people in the Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and parts of Mid North Coast, South Coast, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Upper Western and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts.
In the event of severe weather, the NSW State Emergency Service advises:
- 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.
- 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.
- Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
- After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
- 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, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
