Trees were torn down, a car smashed and roofs were left leaking as a large storm struck the Illawarra on Thursday afternoon.
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A weather warning was issued around 30 minutes before the wild weather hit, with many people rushing outside to take photos of the ominous clouds rolling across the escarpment.
SES volunteers received 17 calls for help across the Illawarra and Southern Highlands, the majority were to trees down and leaking roofs.
Across NSW, the SES received 280 calls for help.
Winds peaked at 52km/h in Bellambi at around 3.30pm, it was a little less in Albion Park at 50km/h and 37km/h in Kiama.
Weatherzone data shows around 5000 lighting strikes were recorded around Wollongong and Kiama from 1pm-6.30pm on Thursday, with around 2000 of them hitting the ground.
Click on the picture below to see more photos from the storm
Kiama received the most rain during the storm at 14.8 millimetres, with 12mm in Albion Park and 9.2 in Bellambi.
There is a medium chance of showers on Friday, November 10, with the chance of another thunderstorm.
The weekend's weather is expected to be mostly sunny with temperatures in the high 20s.
SES advice for stormy weather:
- 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.
- Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
- After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
- 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.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
