Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Metropolitan and parts of Hunter, Illawarra, Mid North Coast and Central Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 12:28 pm Tuesday, 26 December 2023.
Severe thunderstorms have developed in the Hunter and Sydney Metropolitan area.

Weather Situation:

A low-pressure system situated in the southwest of the state and its associated front lies over the South West Slopes and Plains. A trough then extends further north along the Great Dividing Range to the Queensland border. A humid and very unstable airmass along and to the east of the trough, supported by strong upper winds, will cause the development of severe thunderstorms this afternoon.

Storms are generally forecast to move to the south and southeast.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours.

Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Gosford, Cessnock, Maitland, Sydney and Parramatta.

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.
* 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.