Multiple severe storms are lashing Sydney and much of the NSW coast as many people return home after their first day of work for 2021.

Multiple severe storms are lashing Sydney and much of the NSW coast on Monday as many people return home after their first day of work for 2021.

A severe thunderstorm warning is in place as far north as Newcastle and as far south as Kiama.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Melody Sturm said there were so many cells making their way towards the coast, they had formed somewhat of a line.

Ms Sturm said 52mm of rain fell at Nobbys Head on the south coast in just one hour earlier on Monday.

“These cells could produce the same outcome,” she said.

“That type of event is categorised as intense rainfall, which is our highest warning.”

Residents are also being urged to prepare for damaging winds.

The town of Forbes had gusts of 87km/h earlier in the day.

The storms are expected to pass over Greater Sydney within an hour or two, while those further inland over the Hunter could linger until Monday night.

Originally Published at Carins post