Residents across northeastern New South Wales are being warned to prepare for potentially dangerous thunderstorms bringing giant-sized hail and destructive wind gusts today.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning extending from the north-west slopes and plains through the Hunter region and into southern parts of the Mid North Coast, with storms already developing across the warning area.
Towns in the firing line include Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Narrabri, and Tamworth, where high-end severe storms are possible throughout the day.
The Bureau warns that these storms could produce giant hail with a diameter greater than five centimeters and destructive winds with gusts exceeding 125 kilometers per hour. Damaging winds and large hail are also possible across the broader northeastern NSW region.
“If you do live within these areas, just keep an eye on the radar and stay up to date with our warnings,” the Bureau advised in its latest update.
The warning is expected to be updated and changed over the coming hours as the situation develops.
Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, move vehicles under cover if possible, and stay indoors away from windows when storms approach. The severe weather poses risks of property damage, particularly to roofs and windows, as well as damage to vehicles left exposed.
Heavy rainfall accompanying the storms may also lead to flash flooding, creating hazardous driving conditions with water across roads.
The Bureau emphasizes that while severe thunderstorms are not unusual for this time of year, the impacts can still be significant, and residents should take the warnings seriously.
Stay up to date with the latest warnings via the Bureau of Meteorology website, app, and social media, and follow all advice from local emergency services.