The State Emergency Service has urged people to remain "resilient, not reliant" with Tuesday's strong winds expected to continue for the next few days
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State Emergency Service crews had responded to 79 calls for assistance across the region up to 4.45pm as a low pressure system continues to wreak havoc on coastal areas.
A severe weather warning, a marine wind warning and a hazardous surf warning were issued for the Hunter on Tuesday due to the low pressure system, which brought gusty winds and powerful seas to the coast.
Wind gusts of up to 93km/h were recorded at Nobbys on Tuesday morning, with speeds of up to 74km/h.
State Emergency Service Northern Zone Operations Commander Tony Day said said the brunt of the damage was along the narrow coastal line, with crews expected to remain actively engaged into Tuesday night and over the next few days.
Nineteen units were working across the zone to provide assistance, with the vast majority of jobs being storm-related. Three were miscellaneous flooding incidents.
Mr Day said thankfully, the weather system had been categorised as a low, after initially appearing to be an east coast low.
Factors that contribute to an east coast low are wind speed, wave height and rainfall.
"As the system has continued to develop, it hasn't reached those thresholds," he said. "It's also moving east rather than north west."
But Mr Day said the wild weather was expected to hang around until possibly Friday, depending on how fast the system moves off the coast. He said this "will put a strain on volunteer resources", particularly due to the extra challenges volunteers face due to COVID-19 compliance.
"We're asking people to be resilient rather than reliant," he said. "Minimise movements outside, bring things inside.
"Members of the public can call us on 132 500 if they require assistance. They may be asked some questions to help volunteers assess COVID-19 risk.
"Of course, in emergencies call 000."
Tree fallen in Tuggerawong
Wyong SES were called out to Tuggerawong late on Tuesday morning to help clear up damage from a gum tree that fell across two properties causing roof and fence damage.
"It's a good reminder to avoid parking your cars under trees during this windy weather and make sure the kids are safe and warm inside," The Hunter SES posted on its Facebook page.
"Also secure any outdoor loose items that can become airborne in strong wind gusts."
After the hail
Lake Macquarie has already had a taste of intense weather this week with a hail storm on Sunday evening.
Hail blanketed backyards and heavy rain lashed the area, resulting in more than 30 calls for assistance to local State Emergency Service units.
Lake Macquarie SES deputy unit commander Jamal Box said there were 34 calls for assistance to Swansea and Cooranbong units from about 6pm Sunday, with Lake Macquarie called in to assist them.
He said most of the calls were about leaking roofs with one roof having completely collapsed.
"There was such a huge amount of rain in such a short time," Mr Box said. "There was quite a volume of water."
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