13/15:47 EDT Detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of Greater Newcastle and Greater Wollongong areas.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:45 pm, very dangerous thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Newcastle City, Raymond Terrace, Belmont and Wallsend. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east to southeast. Very dangerous thunderstorms are forecast to affect Williamtown, Medowie, Lemon Tree Passage and Mallabula by 4:15 pm and Anna Bay and Fingal Bay by 4:45 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Darkes Forest, Helensburgh, Stanwell Park and waters off Thirroul. Large, possibly giant hailstones and damaging winds are likely.

81km/hr gust observed south of Singleton at 2:23pm..

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.
* 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 4:50 pm.

A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Hunter, Metropolitan, Central Tablelands and parts of the Mid North Coast, Illawarra, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains and South West Slopes districts.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.