Thousands of Aussies are in the firing line of damaging winds, heavy rain, large hailstones and potential flash flooding as severe thunderstorms roll over parts of the country.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning on Monday evening for parts of Maitland/Cessnock, Gosford/Wyong, Sydney, Wollondilly/Wingecarribee, Greater Wollongong, Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury and Greater Newcastle areas across NSW.
Swathes of the country’s north – including multiple regions across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia – are also facing similar warnings.
“The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 6:55pm, severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones were detected near Wollongong, Camden, Picton and Bucketty,” the alert stated.
“These thunderstorms are moving towards the east to northeast.
“They are forecast to affect Campbelltown, Warragamba and Helensburgh by 7:25pm and Parramatta, Sutherland, Sydney Olympic Park, Richmond, Liverpool and Penrith by 7:55pm.”
The State Emergency Service advised people to move cars under cover and away from trees, secure or put away loose items around houses, balconies and yards, and to keep at least 8m from fallen power lines or objects that could be energised, including fences.
People were also warned to keep away from creeks and storm drains, unplug computers and appliances, avoid using the phone, stay indoors and away from windows, and to keep children and pets inside.
“Don’t walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water,” the alert stated.
“If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring triple-0 if you need rescue.”
The warning comes amid a severe heatwave warning for the state’s Mid North Coast, Hunter, Northern Tablelands, Metropolitan, North West Slopes & Plains, Central West Slopes & Plains, South West Slopes and Upper Western Districts from Monday through to Thursday.
People have been urged to seek places to keep cool, keep windows and curtains closed early in the day, and use fans or air conditioners.
Temperatures are tipped to hit 42C in Penrith and Richmond on Tuesday, while areas including Parramatta, Campbelltown and Liverpool are set to hit 41C.
Sydney is on track to reach a high of 40C on Tuesday with the chance of rain and a thunderstorm.
More to come.
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