The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that severe thunderstorms are approaching parts of Wollongong after being detected east of Bowral just before 2pm.
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The thunderstorms are moving towards the northeast, according to the bureau, and are forecast to affect Lake Avon by 2.25pm Appin, and Lake Cataract and the escarpment west of Wollongong by 2:55 pm.
Damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding are likely.
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 Endeavour Energy (131 003)
- Unplug computers and appliances.
- Avoid using the phone during the storm.
- Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
If flash flooding occurs:
- 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.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Illawarra and parts of the Metropolitan, South Coast and Southern Tablelands districts.
The BOM reports that a lingering low pressure trough is behind the unsettled conditions with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms expected.
Locations which may be affected include Nowra, Bowral, Albion Park and Nerriga, the forecast issued earlier on Saturday said.
Kate McIlwain
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
