this cell looks so intense, i just have no words to describe it. i hope everyone in the area is in a safe place, i didnt edit the image it is straight from the BOM warning
TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
DETAILED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
for DESTRUCTIVE WIND, LARGE HAILSTONES and FLASH FLOODING
For people in parts of the
Sydney Metropolitan,
Greater Newcastle,
Central Coast and
Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury areas.
Issued at 1:53 pm Thursday, 16 December 2010.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 1:55 pm, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on weather radar near Fairfield, Horsley Park, Penrith and Warragamba. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east to northeast. Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect Hornsby, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Richmond by 2:25 pm and Manly, Maroota, Mona Vale and Terrey Hills by 2:55 pm.
Other severe thunderstorms were located near Bilpin, Toukley, Wyong and Tuggerah. They are forecast to affect Glenorie, Budgewoi, Mannering Park and Nords Wharf by 2:25 pm and Woy Woy, Swansea, Umina and Lake Macquarie by 2:55 pm.
Destructive winds, large hailstones, very heavy rainfall and flash flooding are likely.
At 1:35 a spotter in Blacktown/Silverdale reported marble sized hail.
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 the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
The next warning is due to be issued by 2:55 pm.
A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Northern Tablelands and parts of the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Southern Tablelands and North West Slopes and Plains districts.
Warnings are 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 warnings being broadcast regularly.
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Lightning kills one, injures two
December 16, 2010 - 2:13PM
One person has been killed and two others have been injured by a lightning strike at a NSW golf course.
The three people were struck by a bolt of lightning at the Hawks Nest Golf Club, on Sanderling Avenue, Hawks Nest, north of Newcastle, at about 12.55pm, a NSW Ambulance spokeswoman said.
They were taken by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service to hospital.
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AAP
