Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter and Northern Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:05 pm Thursday, 31 August 2023.

Severe thunderstorms are developing over northeast New South Wales.

Weather Situation: A humid and unstable airmass is combining with a trough of low-pressure and seabreezes to produce severe thunderstorms over northeast New South Wales this afternoon and evening.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and accumulations of small hail over the next hour or two in parts of the Mid North Coast and Hunter districts. Locations which may be affected include Bulahdelah and Nelson Bay.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and accumulations of small hail, with possible damaging wind gusts over the next hour or two in parts of the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands districts. Locations which may be affected include Grafton, Kyogle, Maclean, Wooli, Dorrigo and Glenreagh.

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.