UPDATE: The severe thunderstorm warning area has now moved further north into the Mid North Coast district. Hunter residents can expect daytime maximum temperatures between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, with the chance of a thunderstorm.
EARLIER REPORT
A SEVERE thunderstorm warning has now been issued for parts of the Hunter.
Thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Taree, Maitland, Raymond Terrace, Singleton, Muswellbrook and Dungog.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- 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.
- Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
- After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
- 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.
The weather has cooled down after a weekend of hot and humid conditions across Newcastle and the Hunter.
The Bureau of Meteorology has also issued a strong wind warning for the Hunter coastline on Monday. Winds are southeasterly and could reach between 20 to 30 kilometres an hour.
Daytime maximum temperatures are expected to sit between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
It comes as more rain is forecast for northwest Queensland which could elevate already record water levels as residents in the southeast clean up after a wave of thunderstorms.
A man was hospitalised in a critical condition after he was struck by lightning at Brendale, north of Brisbane, on Sunday afternoon as thunderstorms rolled across the southeast. Read more here.
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