Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands and parts of Hunter, Southern Tablelands and Central West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts.

Issued at 6:06 pm Sunday, 19 December 2021.
Gusty thunderstorm activity over the central east parts of the state.

Weather Situation: A cold front and pre-frontal trough is combining with a strong upper level trough to aid extensive thunderstorm activity across the state. This activity will contract eastward this afternoon and evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Gosford, Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Orange and Dubbo.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the South Coast, South West Slopes and Snowy Mountains districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

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 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.