Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Maitland/Cessnock, Greater Newcastle and Sydney areas.

Issued at 5:52 pm Tuesday, 1 February 2022.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:50 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Richmond, Cessnock and Sweetmans Creek (west of Cessnock). These thunderstorms are moving towards the east to northeast. They are forecast to affect Riverstone, Maitland and Kurri Kurri by 6:20 pm and Glenorie, Raymond Terrace and Medowie by 6:50 pm.

Damaging winds are likely with these storms.

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 8 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.
* 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.