SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR GREATER NEWCASTLE

A severe weather warning has been issued by The Bureau of Meteorology for parts of Port Stephens, Newcastle and the Hunter.

Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect Lemon Tree Passage, Karuah and Mallabula by 4:00 pm and Nelson Bay and Port Stephens by 4:30 pm.

Giant hailstones, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds are likely.

At 3:30 pm, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Raymond Terrace and Medowie.