UPDATE: The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has moved south.
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While the Hunter including Maitland and Cessnock remains in a warning area, the immediate threat was to affect Gosford, Mona Vale and Terrey Hills by 7:45 pm and Manly, Randwick and waters off Bondi Beach by 8:15 pm.
Large hailstones, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds are likely.
UPDATE:
Severe thunderstorms in the warning area have temporarily eased.
Further severe thunderstorms are still possible. The situation is being closely monitored and further detailed warnings will be issued as necessary.
The next warning is due to be issued by 7.25 pm.
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The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Newcastle and the Hunter.
The warning issued at 5.06pm is for heavey rainfall, destructive winds and giant hailstones, and applies to people in the Hunter, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Northern Tablelands and parts of Northern Rivers, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Snowy Mountains Forecast Districts.
According to the bureau a low pressure system in inland NSW as bringing humid air from the tropics into the east, leading to likely thunderstorms across much of the state's east.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, destructive winds and giant hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours.
The next warning is due to be issued by 8.10 pm
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least eight 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.
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.