Bureau of Meteorology issues severe thunderstorm warning for North West

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued  a severe thunderstorm warning for the North West Slopes and Plains.

The bureau has predicted large hailstones and damaging winds with areas around Mullaley looking likely to cop the brunt of the storm, according to radar images.

READ MORE:

• Spectacular dust storm rolls into town with gusty winds
  
• Storm brings heavy rain, hail across the North West region 
  
• El Nino likely to hit Australia by end of 2018
  

Other locations which may be affected include Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Armidale, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Moree, Narrabri, Mungindi, Coonabarabran, Sawtell and Dorrigo.

Sign up to receive The Leader’s breaking news and top stories straight to your inbox

Have your say. Click this link to send a letter to the editor

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 on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, 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.