A severe storm caused widespread power outages and flooding in Newcastle, prompting emergency responses and warnings.

A severe storm hit Newcastle on Sunday, causing widespread power outages across Lambton, Waratah, Broadmeadow, Georgetown, Hamilton North, and Mayfield. Intense rainfall—20mm in under an hour at Mangrove Mountain—combined with damaging winds, hail up to two centimetres in size, and flash flooding led to downed trees, blacked-out traffic lights, and hazardous road conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning, noting the storm was moving east and that further storms could develop. Ausgrid is restoring power, and residents are urged to contact the SES at 132 500 for emergencies. The event preceded forecast highs of 33 to 35 degrees Celsius starting Thursday.