Update 6.30pm: Storm warning cancelled
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Severe thunderstorms are no longer affecting Wollongong or surrounding areas, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
The immediate threat of severe thunderstorms has passed, but the situation will continue to be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary.
5.15pm: The Illawarra is bracing itself for wild weather on Monday night as severe storms, including one that saw lightning strike an Albion Park aged care centre, hit the region.
A severe storm warning for damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.
The warning came after a line of severe storms moved across the Greater Wollongong area about 4pm, delivering heavy rain and producing a number of lightning strikes.
One of those strikes hit the Ridgeview Aged Care at Albion Park.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews were alerted to the strike at the nursing home, on Daintree Drive, by a triple zero call about 4.10pm.
"There was a slight smell of electrical burning [and] multiple alarms activated," FRNSW Inspector John Hawes said.
"We treated it as just a normal alarm and on investigation that's when they found out that a lightning strike had occurred."
An electrician has been called in to fix systems affected by the power surge, he said.
No one was injured and the centre didn't need to be evacuated.
Inspector Hawes said firefighters reassured residents and the centre was now "back to normal".
Ridgeview Aged Care is located next to Mount Terry Public School.
Stormy conditions are expected to continue on Tuesday, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting another thunderstorm, possibly severe.
Falls of 10 to 25 millimetres are forecast on Tuesday.
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.
- 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 7.50 pm.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
