A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for a numer of NSW towns, including, most recently, Maitland and Cessnock.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:05 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Gosford, Wollombi, Sweetmans Creek (west of Cessnock) and Erina.
These thunderstorms are moving towards the east.
They are forecast to affect Toukley, Wyong, Cessnock and Tuggerah by 3.35 pm and Budgewoi, Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Kurri Kurri by 4.05 pm.
Large hailstones, very heavy rainfall, flash flooding and damaging winds are likely.
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 on 132 500.
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