Emergency crews are working hard to fix power lines, secure awnings and gutters and remove fallen trees as big winds lash the Illawarra.
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The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds in the Illawarra on Friday.
The Bureau reported wind gusts of 93 km/h at Bellambi at 1:05am, 9:16am and 9:38am on Friday and 100 km/h at Albion Park at 12:30am and 91 km/h at 9:30am.
Winds are expected to average 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h.
Strong winds are being caused by a series of cold fronts passing over the state. The wild weather is expected to last but will ease over the weekend.
Illawarra State Emergency Service crews attended 215 calls for assistance such as securing fences and repairing a Kiama Downs shed roof that had blown off.
The KFC bucket at King Street, Warrawong was partially damaged.
Illawarra Fire and Rescue crews were called to Illawarra Yacht Club on Friday morning to secure an awning of an circular roof.
Power lines were also down in Bellambi at Pioneer Road.
Energy authorities are on site, had cordoned off the area to make it safe and were repairing power.
There are 648 homes or businesses in Farmborough Heights, 275 in Unanderra, 162 in Kembla Grange, 48 in Jamberoo and 28 in Kiama without power.
Endeavour Energy crews are trying to restore power to homes and businesses.
There have been no significant delays at Illawarra Regional Airport.
The SES advises people to move their vehicles under cover, secure or put away loose items around the house, yard and balcony and keep at least eight metres away from fallen power lines.
Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003 or www.endeavourenergy.com.au/outages), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
If you need emergency assistance due to wind damage from the SES call, 132 500.
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