BOM warns 'very dangerous' thunderstorm headed for Sydney, Wollongong

BOM first issued the warning at 3:00pm this afternoon, with the storm now passing the outer-western suburbs of Sydney and heading east.

There was another severe storm just west of Wollongong which is also heading east, as well as a number of isolated storms across the state.

Footage emerging from the Blue Mountains shows large hailstorms falling to the ground with strong winds and heavy rain.

Hail 3 centimetres in size has been reported at Blackheath, in the Blue Mountains area, at 3:30pm.

The State Emergency Service is advising people to move cars under cover or away from trees and to secure or put away loose items around the house, yard and balcony.

The cloud formation known as mammatus — meaning "mammary cloud" — formed over parts of Sydney is drawing a wave of online admiration.

The clouds are a cellular pattern of pouches hanging underneath the base of a cloud, and are generally associated with storm activity.

Insurers are also reportedly sending text messages to policy holders, advising them to move cars indoors.

Continue Reading : https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-02/bom-warns-very-dangerous-storm-headed-for-sydney/10680086

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