A major storm cell developed over the Central Tablelands about midday, which was rapidly swept over the Hunter and out to sea by very strong winds aloft.

Hail up to the size of a 10 cent piece was observed near Mona Vale as violent storms passed over head. There have been numerous reports of strong wind gusts, with Nobbys Head experiencing 80km/h gusts.

Although these storms produced heavy rainfall rates, with Lake Macquarie receiving 7mm in 10 minutes, the storms moved too quickly to deliver very high rainfall totals.

Sydney narrowly dodged the system, as it just skimmed past the northern beaches.

Storms also affected the Mid North Coast, with a strong cell passing over Port Macquarie mid-afternoon, dropping 8mm of rain in 10 minutes.

Heading into this evening, severe thunderstorms will continue to contract to the northeast of NSW.