Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands and Hunter Forecast Districts.

Issued at 1:30 pm Wednesday, 27 December 2023.

Severe thunderstorms are developing in the east this afternoon.

Weather situation: An upper trough traversing across the eastern part of New South Wales is combining with a very moist and unstable air mass to enhance the risk of severe thunderstorms

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Penrith, Parramatta, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral and Campbelltown.

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.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.