UPDATE 8pm: Severe thunderstorms are no longer affecting Maitland or surrounding areas.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary.
EARLIER:
Severe thunderstorms bringing possible flash flooding, damaging wind and large hail may strike Maitland, Cessnock and other parts of the Hunter this afternoon, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
The bureau's severe thunderstorm warning, issued Saturday afternoon, said adverse weather could affect people in the Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains, Australian Capital Territory and parts of the Hunter forecast districts.
Large hail up to two centimetres was reported at Blackheath earlier Saturday, and there was a large accumulation on the ground.
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 clear of fallen power lines.
* 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.
