UPDATE 3:22pm
Two people have been taken to the Maitland Hospital after being hurt during the storm.
Emergency services were called the Kurri Kurri Community Centre at 2:07pm.
They suffered minor injuries believed to be storm related.
The State Emergency Service is advising people to move cars under or away from trees, secure loose items around your house, stay away from fallen power lines or objects, report any fallen power lines to Ausgrid on 131 388, unplug computers or appliances, avoid using your phone during the storm and try to stay indoors.
EARLIER 2:30pm
There are reports of significant damage in the Kurri Kurri business district as a huge thunderstorm moves through the area.
The Kurri Kurri Community Centre in Lang Street has been evacuated after suffering storm damage this afternoon.
The damage is yet to be fully assessed and so it will be closed until further notice. There are reports the roof has been torn off the centre and exposed bricks have fallen onto the road.
Glen works next door to the library and says emergency services are checking that everyone got out alright.
"Community Centre library has lost its roof completely by the look of things its taken some of the facade down with it. There's bricks all on the road, tin across the road. At the moment we've got ambulance, fire, police, the streets are blocked off, we've got wires down, trees down..."
RT: KURRI KURRI | UPDATE: All people accounted for after partial building collapse in Lang St. Exclusion zone in place & crews assessing da…— Ian Krimmer (@IanKrimmer) November 6, 2017
Other buildings have also reportedly been damaged including the Ambulance Practice Hall in Lang Street.
The Kurri Kurri Aquatic Fitness Centre has been closed due to damage. Just what the damage there is isn't known at this stage.
Traffic lights are blacked out at Station Street at First Street in Weston, meanwhile, there's a fallen tree on Allandale Road and a damaged sign is affecting southbound traffic in East Maitland at Newcastle Street at High Street.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning which was expected to hit Newcastle, Maitland, Raymond Terrace, Wallsend and Morpeth by 2:30pm and then Swansea, Dora Creek, Nords Wharf and Lake Macquarie by 3pm.
You should report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080 as shown on your power bill.
In an emergency ring the SES on 132 500.
