Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Maitland/Cessnock, Greater Newcastle and Gosford/Wyong areas.

Issued at 10:32 am Tuesday, 22 February 2022.

Very heavy rainfall from a VERY DANGEROUS thunderstorm near Wyong.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 10:30 am, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Dooralong and the Watagan Mountains west of Cooranbong. These thunderstorms are slow moving. Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect Mangrove Mountain by 11:30 am.

Intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is likely.

Wyong (Olney Forest) has recorded 80mm of rainfall in the 45 minutes to 10:30am.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.