UPDATE: The Bureau of Meteorology has cancelled its earlier severe weather warning for strong winds across coastal areas of the Hunter.
EARLIER: ANOTHER severe weather warning has been issued for the Hunter's coast, following a week of heavy rain, flash flooding and even hail in parts of the region.
A low pressure system off the southern coast is producing vigorous southerly winds.
Damaging winds, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible along the coastal fringe between Newcastle and Point Perpendicular from late Sunday morning. Winds are expected to gradually ease from late Sunday afternoon or evening as the low moves further offshore.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move vehicles 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.
- Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
- 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.
- Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
- For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
The severe weather warning was issues at 4am Sunday.
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