Severe thunderstorm warning

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for FLASH FLOODING, LARGE HAILSTONES and DAMAGING WIND

For people in the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra and parts of the South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 12:00 pm Monday, 13 February 2012.

Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop over the next several hours and are likely to produce very heavy rainfall, flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds in the warning area.

Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Batemans Bay and Goulburn.

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 clear of fallen power lines.
* 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 3:00 pm.