Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Northern Tablelands and parts of Northern Rivers, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and South West Slopes Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:33 pm Thursday, 14 October 2021.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ABOUT EASTERN NSW

Weather situation: A dynamic cold front associated with a deep low pressure system in SA is tracking east across the state today. This system will result in the development of severe thunderstorms across eastern NSW as the day progresses.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large, possibly giant hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Gosford, Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Armidale, Goulburn and Tamworth.

- 5cm hail observed near Wyangala Dam around 3.15pm

- 3-4cm hail reported in the Blue Mountains around 3pm

- 3cm hail reported at Goulburn (average size 1.5cm) at 01.55pm

- 24mm of rain in 30min at Goulburn at 01:51pm

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.
* 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.