Sydney hail
© Gordon McComiskieA hail storm left its mark on Richmond earlier today.
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for a large swathe of NSW, with heavy falls of hail and rain and damaging winds predicted.

Heavy hail falls were hitting Sydney's west this afternoon.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned the storms were likely to bring large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area into late today.

In a warning issued at 5.30pm, the Bureau said locations which may be affected included Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, Gosford, Penrith, Parramatta, Armidale, Tenterfield, Mudgee, Tamworth, Gunnedah and Narrabri.

The State Emergency Service has advised people to move cars undercover and away from trees, secure loose items around properties and to keep clear of fallen power lines, creeks and storm drains.

Earlier today, significant hail was recorded at Richmond, northwest of Sydney.

NSW storm map
© Bureau of MeteorologyThe storm warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology shortly before 5pm today.
The worst of the storms were forecast to miss central Sydney.