Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Gosford/Wyong, Wollondilly/Wingecarribee, Greater Wollongong, Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury and Sydney areas.

Issued at 5:53 pm Monday, 27 January 2025.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE OCCURRING IN THE GREATER SYDNEY AREA

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:30 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM was detected near Robertson and the area just east of Bowral. This thunderstorm is moving towards the east. It is forecast to affect Lake Avon and Lake Nepean by 5:00 pm and Dapto by 5:30 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones were detected near St Albans, Wisemans Ferry and the Taralga district (north of Goulburn). These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Calga, Woy Woy and Umina by 5:00 pm and Gosford, Mangrove Mountain and Erina by 5:30 pm.

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.
* 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 (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.