Severe thunderstorms for Sydney, Illawarra and Central Tablelands: strong winds and hail to hit NSW
- State of emergency declared by the BoM
- People in New South Wales should stay indoors
- READ MORE: El Nino is here
A state of emergency has been declared by the Bureau of Meteorology for everyone in New South Wales to prepare for severe thunderstorms.
Isolated severe thunderstorms are developing over central towns and western Sydney and will begin to fall by nightfall on Wednesday.
Anyone living in the Metropolitan, Illawarra and Central Tablelands forecast districts should expect strong winds and hailstorms for the remainder of the night.
The storm is also expected to extend to the metropolitan suburbs of Penrith, Parramatta and Campbelltown.
Those affected have been asked to keep their cars away from trees, secure any lost items outside and be careful of falling trees and power lines.
A state of emergency was declared in parts of New South Wales by the Bureau of Meteorology on Wednesday evening as severe storms develop.
People are advised to stay indoors and watch for falling trees and power lines.
The use of phones during the storm is not recommended and the BoM has advised affected areas to unplug computers and appliances during the storm.
People should stay indoors with their pets or children and monitor weather conditions as they develop.
Particular caution should be given to recent landscape changes that may have occurred in rural areas during the bushfires.
If severe storms develop over Sydney Newcastle Wollongong or surrounding areas, a more detailed severe thunderstorm warning will be issued to people in that area.
The BoM will issue its next warning at 7:30 p.m.
For emergency help during floods and storms, you can call the SES on 132 500.
