The Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning at 11.30am on January 20 for people in the Hunter, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Australian Capital Territory and parts of the Mid North Coast, Metropolitan, North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes and Snowy Mountains Forecast Districts.

“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Orange, Canberra, Goulburn, Tamworth and Dubbo,” the warning said. 

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.