Although the immideate threat of thunderstorms has passed, parts of our region took a battering this afternoon, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, with Port Macquarie reporting 3cm hailstones at 1.30pm.
Large clusters of unusual mammatus clouds appeared over Bangalow at around 7pm this evening, extending to the north and east. These clouds usually signify severe storms with significant hail.
A warning issued at 6.34pm said severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds and large hailstones in the area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Gosford, Armidale, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Moree and Narrabri.
A 106km/h gust was recorded at Murrurundi Gap at 11.30am.
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 clear of fallen power lines.
* 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 on 132 500.
Updates are available through the Bureau’s website at bom.gov.au, or by calling 1300 659 218. Or stay tuned to ABC local radio.
