Severe thunderstorms in Newcastle and parts of the Hunter have eased, forecasters have said, but there is a remaining possibility storms could redevelop into the evening.
Residents have reported grey skies over the region, with one report of small hail falling at Bellbird outside of Cessnock.
Forecasters for the Bureau of Meteorology had earlier warned of potentially large hail and heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding as an intense system moved over Maitland, Branxton and Kurri Kurri around 4.30pm.
The weather was expected to impact Newcastle later in the afternoon before easing later in the evening as temperatures cool down and the local systems move out to sea.
A cold front, associated with a low pressure system moving across the state, is expected to reach the Hunter in coming days, while a transient coastal low pressure system between the South and Mid North coasts will bring more rain to Newcastle and the Hunter, and the Central Coast.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move your car under cover.
- 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
A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands districts.
Grafton has been pelted by five-centimetre hail, while McKees Hill east of Casino has also been hit by hailstones between five and six centimetres, forecasters said.
Around 27 millimetres of rain has already fallen at Logans Crossing, southwest of Port Macquarie.
On-and-off storms and rainfall are expected to hang over parts of the Hunter and NSW coastal fringe for the coming weeks, forecasters say, and are associated with a general shift toward an La Nina climate pattern.
- The details of this report are developing. It will be updated.
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