For DAMAGING WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in parts of Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury, Gosford/Wyong and Sydney areas.

Issued at 4:47 pm Monday, 27 January 2025.

Severe thunderstorms are occurring in western Sydney.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 4:30 pm, a severe thunderstorm likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones was detected near Cattai and Glenorie. This thunderstorm is moving towards the east. It is forecast to affect Berowra and Maroota by 5:00 pm and Spencer, Brooklyn and Palm Beach by 5:30 pm.

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. 

* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains. 

* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water. 

* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue. 

* 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.