A severe weather warning has been issued for the Hunter on Friday morning with thunderstorms producing damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding.
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Several major roads have been impacted, with Live Traffic NSW reporting traffic being affected in all directions on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass at Jesmond and a southbound lane of Maitland Road being closed at Hexham.
The Golden Highway (Mitchell Line of Road) between New England Highway and Range Road was also closed on Thursday night.
Also in the news:
More than 20mm of rain has fallen at Williamtown on Friday morning. Charlestown, Speers Point and Swansea Swim Centres were closed for part of the morning due to lightning but the pools have since reopened.
Humid air is ahead of a low pressure system through inland NSW moving east, which is likely to cause thunderstorms to develop through the northeast.
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 eight 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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Sage Swinton
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
