Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:46 pm Saturday, 8 November 2025.

Severe thunderstorms tracking towards Gosford and Greater Newcastle.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:45 pm, severe thunderstorms likely to produce large hailstones and damaging winds were detected near Howes Valley (on the Putty Road), the Singleton district and the Putty/Howes Valley district. These thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast. They are forecast to affect Wollombi, Tocal and Paynes Crossing (northwest of Wollombi) by 5:15 pm and Wyong, Raymond Terrace and Budgewoi by 5:45 pm.

3.5 cm hail reported at Shellharbour at approximately 12:20 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.
* 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.