UPDATE, 6PM:
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Severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Maitland and Kurri Kurri.
These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Newcastle City, Raymond Terrace, Medowie, Lemon Tree Passage and Karuah in the early evening.
Damaging winds are likely and there is also a risk of large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding.
A wind gust of 109 km/h was recorded at Cessnock Airport at 5:12pm.
UPDATE, 3.30PM:
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for the Hunter.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the area over the next several hours.
EARLIER:
HAIL is dotting parts of Newcastle as the region heads towards a stormy Saturday.
Minor hail drummed over Newcastle West shortly before midday as rain and thunder rolled in.
The storm passed quickly, moving on before the afternoon began.
Showers and storms were forecast for Newcastle on Friday, with similar conditions expected on Saturday.
The storms are expected to ease on Sunday but rain is likely to continue until mid-week.
Friday’s lunchtime downpour came as the Bureau of Meteorology issued a warning for parts of the Upper Hunter.
Shortly before 11am the Bureau warned Scone and other inland areas to expect damaging winds and large hailstones.
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.
The next warning is due to be issued by 2:00 pm.