Motorists rallied to clear a large tree that had fallen across Nelson Bay Road in wild winds on Monday.
A spokesperson from the Transport Management Centre said initial reports just before 3pm on August 10 indicated a tree was blocking traffic near Fern Bay.
Police and firefighters were alerted and it's understood a chainsaw was going to be required to clear the site. No one was injured and no crashes were reported.
Witnesses told the Newcastle Herald that passers-by were able to safely and quickly move the tree off the road themselves.
Motorists were banked up for a short time but vehicles appeared to be flowing freely again by 3.15pm, according to Live Traffic NSW updates.
Separately, Transport for NSW crews and emergency services were called to the M1 near Cooranbong after reports a tree had fallen in strong winds about 3pm.
Northbound traffic was heavy near the twin service stations, with only one of two lanes open. Drivers were urged to reduce speed, expect delays and prepare to merge.
Northbound traffic was also affected on Lake Road at Argenton from about 3pm after reports of wires down in the wind.
Emergency services and Transport for NSW crews were on scene. Drivers should be cautious.
The incidents came during a severe weather alert for the Hunter Valley and Newcastle for damaging winds.
The Transport Management Centre spokesperson said the authority was dealing with multiple reports of trees down across the warning area.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warned gusts of up to 90kmh, and winds averaging up to 65kmh, could sweep through on Monday afternoon before easing in the evening.
BOM meteorologist Helen Reid said the broad severe weather warning was in place along the ranges from Queensland to Victoria.
"Damaging north-westerly winds are possible across those areas today, peaking in the afternoon," she said.
A cold front swept over southern Australia on the weekend, bringing large waves, snow, rain and wind. It was moving over the NSW ranges on Monday.
"This cold front is winter in all its glory," she said.
"The front is forecast to move off the NSW coast later today."
Another cold front, which was not as strong, was expected to hit the eastern states on Wednesday.
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The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) said people should move indoors, park cars in a safe or secure area, put away outdoor items and monitor warnings.
The BOM also issued a marine wind warning for gale-force winds on the Hunter Coast.
Ausgrid has confirmed thousands of people were without power on Monday afternoon.
Unplanned outages were affecting residents at Birmingham Gardens, Callaghan, Cardiff, Cardiff Heights, Elermore Vale, Glendale, Jesmond, Lambton, New Lambton, New Lambton Heights, North Lambton, Rankin Park, Shortland, Wallsend, Waratah, Waratah West, Garden Suburb, Kotara, Charlestown, Warners Bay and Macquarie Hills.
Some customers have had power restored but others were expected to be in the dark into the evening. Find out more here.
