FORECASTERS have warned Newcastle and coastal parts of the Hunter to brace ahead of a deep low pressure system shifting east south over the weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology on Friday issued a warning after indications a slew of troughs and cold fronts could whip across southeast Australia until Sunday.
Saturday morning is expected to deliver the brunt for parts of the Hunter, with damaging winds expected to average between 60 and 70 km/h, with gusts reaching 90km/h.
Higher terrain is most as risk, meteorologists warn.
While the easterly wind threat is expected to ease on Sunday, gusty showers and thunderstorms are expected to hit Newcastle and Maitland from the west.
The State Emergency Service urged people to shift cars under cover or away from trees, secure loose items in yarns and stay at least eight metres away from fallen power lines or potentially energised items near them.
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.
