Had to cut and paste this warning...giant hailstones hehe.....well it certainly looked a very intense storm!
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
NSW SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING - SYDNEY/NEWCASTLE/WOLLONGONG REGION
for GIANT HAILSTONES, DESTRUCTIVE WIND, VERY HEAVY RAINFALL and FLASH FLOODING
For people in the
Greater Newcastle and parts of the
Maitland/Cessnock areas.
Issued at 3:52 PM Tuesday, 31 October 2006.
At 3:50 PM , Bureau of Meteorology weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near Clarence Town and the area between Raymond Terrace and Karuah. These thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast. Severe thunderstorms are forecast to affect Salt Ash and Swan Bay by 4:20 PM and Mallabula, Anna Bay and Lemon Tree Passage by 4:50 PM .
Very dangerous thunderstorms were located near Raymond Terrace and Wallsend. They are forecast to affect Newcastle City, Charlestown and Williamtown by 4:20 PM and Warners Bay, Redhead and Belmont by 4:50 PM .
Large hailstones, destructive winds, very heavy rainfall and flash flooding are possible.
A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Mid North Coast and parts of the Northwest Slopes, Northern Tablelands, Hunter and Central Tablelands Forecast Districts.
This warning replaces the previous warning issued at 3:40pm, correcting the times.
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.
* 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 your local SES Unit on 13 2500.
The next warning is due to be issued by 4:50 PM.
This warning is also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at
www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 218. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate this warning being broadcast regularly.
