‘Giant-sized’ hail, rain barrage to smash millions of Aussies as state stares down supercell storm

A supercell storm which is forecast to bring “giant-sized” hail and heavy rain is set to batter one Aussie state.

A supercell storm forecasted to bring “giant” hail and a barrage of rain is sweeping through parts of NSW - with potentially dangerous conditions hitting Sydney and its surrounds.

After days of oppressive heat, Sydneysiders were hit with a barrage of rain, gusty winds and storms on Tuesday afternoon, causing temperatures to plummet by 12C.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning on Thursday afternoon for residents in northeastern NSW, including Northern Tablelands, Mid North Coast and Western Slopes, also impacting Sydney and its surrounds.

Residents are bracing for a enormous rainfall and 'giant' hail as a supercell storm hits parts of NSW. Picture: BOM

Severe thunderstorms are likely for parts of the Northern Tablelands and the North Western Slopes. Picture: BOM

“For most of those areas, non-severe storms is all we’re really expecting,” senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said, warning of “gusty winds” and locally moderate down bursts in pockets of NSW, including Newcastle, Coffs Harbour and Walgett.

However, conditions are likely to be far more severe for residents in the Northern and Central Ranges, the western region of The Slopes and much of the mid-north coast, where severe thunderstorms are likely to develop with “large to giant” hail, intense rainfall and “destructive winds”.

“We could see very dangerous driving conditions developing as water and debris moves over the roads,” Ms Bradbury said.

The destructive storms could also cause damage to crops, vegetation and trees as the “strong winds combine with the heavy rainfall”.

The bureau has warned of destructive wnds and intense rainfall. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

The biggest threat for severe storms includes parts of the Northern Tablelands and the North Western Slopes, which is set to develop in the afternoon and evening, bringing “giant” hail and locally destructive winds in excess of 125km/h.

Ms Bradbury warned residents of “giant-sized hail” in excess of 5cm in diameter and locally intense rainfall which could lead to flash flooding.

“Residents in any of our storm areas today should stay well on top of the radar and any warnings we need to issue,” Ms Bradbury said.

“Particularly those living in our severe-thunderstorm-likely area for today.”

Northeastern NSW will endure wet and windy conditions for most of Friday. Picture: BOM

While the worst of the storm will likely be felt on Thursday afternoon and evening, conditions will remain wet and windy into Friday, with storms expected to move in the northeastern, mid-north coast and adjacent inland regions of NSW.

“This risk (of heavy rainfall) is still present tomorrow, but it’s not as widespread or intense as the risk we’re seeing today,” Ms Bradbury said.

Originally published as ‘Giant-sized’ hail, rain barrage to smash millions of Aussies as state stares down supercell storm