6.41pm: A general storm warning remains in place for the Illawarra, but local areas appear to have escaped the worst of the weather for now.
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At 6.25pm, the Bureau of Meteorology issued an updated detailed warning, saying parts of the Blue Mountains would be affect by a slow moving storm.
However, in a more general warning, the BOM sais severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones in the warning area over the next several hours.
Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Batemans Bay and Eden.
The bureau said a particularly dangerous cell was sighted near Bega at 6.00pm, and it is heading north toward Bermagui. There is some risk that this cell may bring giant hailstones and destructive wind gusts.
The next warning is due to be issued at 9.10pm.
Earlier 4.30pm: The Bureau of Meterology has issued several severe weather warnings on Tuesday afternoon, with parts of the Illawarra affected.
In a broadcast issued at 4.10pm, the BOM said severe thunderstorms likely to produce damaging winds, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones would affect the warning area over the next several hours.
All of the Illawarra and the South Coast – along with regions up and down the state – have been included in the warning.
Golf ball size hail has been detected in some parts of NSW.
Severe thunderstorms which hit Lake Cataract and the Morton National Park (west of Nowra) around 4.25pm are now moving towards the region.
They are forecast to affect Appin and Darkes Forest by 4:55 pm and Campbelltown, Engadine, Waterfall and Helensburgh by 5:25 pm.
Life Traffic NSW has advised those travelling home from holidays to take care and drive to the road conditions during the storm.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move your car under cover or away from trees.
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
- Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
- Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, as shown on your power bill.
- 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.
- Unplug computers and appliances.
- Avoid using the phone during the storm.
- Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
- For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
The next warning is due to be issued by 5.25pm.