IDN21035
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

Detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning

for HEAVY RAINFALL, DAMAGING WINDS and LARGE HAILSTONES

For people in parts of Sydney, Wollondilly/Wingecarribee and Greater Wollongong areas.

Issued at 7:45 pm Saturday, 2 December 2023.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 7:40 pm, severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Wollongong and Picton.

These thunderstorms are moving towards the east.

They are forecast to affect Camden, Campbelltown and Helensburgh by 8:10 pm and Sutherland, Engadine and Liverpool by 8:40 pm.

Heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones are likely.

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.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* 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 8:45 pm.

A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for the Metropolitan and parts of the Hunter, Illawarra and Central Tablelands 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.