Update 5.20pm: The Bureau of Meteorology is warning a very dangerous thunderstorm is due to hit Wollongong by 5.30pm. Heavy rain, destructive winds and giant hail likely.
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Update 5pm: Colin Malone, SES zone commander for the South Eastern Zone said the Illawarra remains an area of observation, although the BOM weather warning for the South Coast has been called off.
However, he said a broader severe weather warning is in place that extends along the entire NSW coast.
He urged the community to remain vigilant on the roads, and should they require SES assistance to phone 132 500.
Earlier:
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Illawarra and parts of the South Coast on Saturday afternoon.
The warning, issued just after 1pm on Saturday, is for heavy rainfall, large hailstones and damaging winds.
According to the BOM, the warning is for people in the Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Northern Tablelands and parts of South Coast, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Snowy Mountains Forecast Districts.
“A low pressure system in inland NSW is bringing humid air from the tropics into the east, leading to likely thunderstorms across much of the state’s east,” the BOM website said.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours.
Locations which may be affected include Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Armidale, Goulburn and Tamworth.
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 eight 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 4:05 pm.
If severe thunderstorms develop in Sydney. Newcastle, Wollongong or surrounding areas, a more detailed severe thunderstorm warning will be issued to people in this area.