Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra and Mid North Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:55 pm Sunday, 15 September 2024.

Damaging winds to continue along coastal areas between Forster and Kiama for the next few hours.

Weather Situation: A trough embedded within a robust south to southwesterly airstream is extending northwards along the coast.

DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 to 100 km/h are likely to continue along coastal parts between Forster and Kiama for the next few hours, particularly with showers.

Winds are expected to weaken below warning thresholds from the south and ease throughout by early evening.

A separate warning for DAMAGING SURF is current for parts of Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast and Mid North Coast Forecast Districts.

Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, The Entrance, Bulli and Port Kembla.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the South Coast district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

Significant wind observations Sunday to 4:30 AEST include:

91 km/h wind gust was recorded at Newcastle Nobbys Signal Station at 3:26 pm

Sustained 69 km/h winds were recorded at Norah Head at 3:18 pm

98 km/h wind gust was recorded at Wattamolla at 2:48 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 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* 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.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.