The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for several towns in the Hunter and Mid North Coast.
The system could produce large hailstones and damaging winds in Taree, Newcastle, Cessnock, Maitland, Toronto and Dungog over the next few hours.
The State Emergency Service is advising people to move cars under cover or away from trees, report fallen power lines, and stay indoors when possible.
The next warning will be issued just before 6pm.
text will be replaced
