THUNDER rolled and lightning split the sky in Newcastle on Monday as authorities warned of potential flash flooding.
It was a gloomy start to the week and the wet weather is set to continue on Tuesday.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) rain gauge at Nobbys in Newcastle recorded 7.6mm of rain between 1pm and 5pm on Monday, February 19.
It came as the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and BOM warned that severe and slow-moving thunderstorms could be headed towards the Hunter, Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast.
Newcastle seemed to avoid the worst of the weather.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said on Monday afternoon there was the potential for isolated heavy falls of between 50 and 100mm in the following hours.
The service re-positioned crews to make sure hardest-hit areas were fully resourced to respond to calls for help.
"I would encourage the public to follow the advice of emergency service personnel on the ground and not to drive through floodwater," he said.
The BOM confirmed on Monday afternoon that severe thunderstorms were no longer affecting Newcastle or the surrounding area.
Residents at Swansea, Wangi Wangi and Toukley were without power on Monday after storms swept through, according to Ausgrid.
The wild weather also caused havoc for commuters.
Passengers catching the train on the Central Coast Newcastle line were urged to allow plenty of extra travel time after severe weather damaged equipment at Fassifern.
Trains were expected to stop on platforms or between stations for longer than usual, customers should listen for announcements and check information screens for updates.
It's understood the weather also impacted some flights at Newcastle Airport.
Some flash flooding was reported in the East Maitland and Raworth areas on Monday morning, which closed roads.
The BOM has warned Newcastle could be in for another stormy day on Tuesday, February 20, with a high chance of showers forecast and the possibility of a severe thunderstorm.
The BOM said up to 6mm of rain was expected.
It's been a tumultuous week of weather in the Hunter, with a sunny weekend following severe storms last week.
Photographs taken in the aftermath of the severe thunderstorm on Wednesday showed a roof partially collapsed at Jesmond Central shopping centre, and near the Family Hotel on Hunter Street in Newcastle West.
There was localised flash flooding in Wickham, with water lapping against cars parked next to kerbs.
Waist-deep flooding was reported with blocked drains at Gordon Avenue, Hamilton.
Newcastle Basketball Association was forced to cancel games that evening after flash flooding at the courts.
