Severe weather to lash NSW

AAP

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THE NSW Blue Mountains, Illawarra and parts of the state's central west are preparing to be pelted with large hail stones and damaging winds, with severe thunderstorms forecast for Monday afternoon.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for people in the Central Tablelands and parts of the Illawarra, Southern Tablelands, Central West slopes and South West slopes.

The towns of Orange, Mudgee, Bathurst, Katoomba, Goulburn and Yass can expect hail and severe winds.

"Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours," according to the bureau's warning, issued at 3.20pm (AEST) on Monday.

The State Emergency Service (SES) has advised people to move their cars under cover or away from trees, secure or put away loose items around the house, yard and balcony, and keep clear of fallen power lines.

Residents should also unplug computers and appliances, avoid using the phone, stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors.

For emergency help in floods and storms ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.

If severe thunderstorms develop in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong or surrounding areas, the bureau will issue a more detailed warning to people in this area.