Severe storms moving over parts of the Hunter could bring heavy rain, strong winds and possible hail to areas around Gosford, south of Newcastle.
Forecasters for the Bureau of Meteorology reported hail around two centimetres had fallen over Lowanna on the Mid North Coast around 2.20pm, prompting a severe weather warning issued for parts of the NSW coast around Coffs Harbour and Grafton, as well as the Hunter, Central Tablelands, Illawarra, and Sydney.
The warning follows heavy showers over Newcastle and the Hunter region on Monday, producing epic cloud formations across the coast.
There is a chance of showers in Newcastle for the remainder of the week, with falls between one and eight millimetres expected. Maximums of up to 28 degrees.
The State Emergency Service advises that 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.
- 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.
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