Severe Weather Warning

A SEVERE weather warning that is likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones over the next several hours has been issued for the Upper Hunter.

Anyone travelling on the highway between Scone and Muswellbrook are advised to take care.

Isolated storms are predicted as humidity air masses clash with a cold front that has been pushing through from the Southern Ocean.

Locations which may be affected include Taree, Newcastle, Scone, Cessnock, Maitland, Toronto, Singleton, Muswellbrook and Dungog.

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.

State Emergency Service advice:

• 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

Photo by the Bureau of Meteorology.