The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for those in Illawarra, Riverina, Lower Western and parts of Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Upper Western and Snowy Mountains Forecast Districts.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in the Riverina, Lower Western and parts of the Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes and Upper Western districts.
Locations which may be affected include Dubbo, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Deniliquin, Griffith, Hay, Cobar, Broken Hill, Wentworth, Menindee and Balranald.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds over the next several hours in the Illawarra and parts of the Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains districts. Locations which may be affected include Cessnock, Maitland, Penrith, Nowra, Bowral, Campbelltown, Braidwood, Katoomba, Goulburn, Nerriga, Captains Flat and Nimmitabel.
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 on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, 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.
The next warning is due to be issued by 6:05pm. Keep an eye on the BoM’s warning page.