EMERGENCY crews are on standby after predictions that potent storms could lash the Hunter and Central Coast as early as this afternoon.
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The NSW State Emergency Service on Thursday urged home owners to get ready for the severe storms, which could inundate parts of the region until Saturday night.
The storm warning extends far beyond the coast, with forecasts predicting inclement weather as far inland as Scone on Friday.
A hot day is expected to precede the storms in Newcastle, where Friday's maximum temperature is pegged to hit 33 degrees. The chance of rain peaks on Saturday, when the Bureau of Meteorology estimates a 70 per cent chance of getting wet.
The bureau's predictions on Thursday pointed to a likelihood of large hail and damaging winds "which have the possibility of becoming destructive", the SES said, and the storms have the potential to develop supercells within them.
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SES zone commander Steve Patterson said preparation could make a huge difference to how many calls volunteers received.
"While the sun is out, bring in or secure any outdoor items in the yard or on the balcony, check your gutters are clear and your roof is in good condition, trim any overhanging branches and put together a home emergency kit in case of power outages," he said.
Driving in wet weather also prompted a warning for caution, particularly around low-lying causeways and where flash flooding could strike.