THE Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Great Lakes and other parts of the Mid North Coast.
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The Bureau says hailstones and damaging winds may affect the region as well as Taree, Port Macquarie, Newcastle and Sydney.
The warning comes not long after two Sydney schoolgirls were taken to hospital this morning after an apparent lightning strike at an oval in West Hoxton shortly before 10am.
The Year 7 students from Clancy Catholic College were in a PE lesson on the oval when they heard a rumble of thunder and experienced waves of static electricity.
The class of about 30 students were ushered off the field and ambulances arrived shortly after to treat them for shock, dizziness and anxiety.
The two girls were taken to Fairfield Hospital and are in a stable condition.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep clear of fallen power lines.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
The next warning is due to be issued by 4:40 pm.