Damaging NSW winds cut power to thousands

More than 11,000 homes and businesses were left without power as gale-force winds tore through NSW.

The winds, which reached up to 100km/h, ripped off the roof of Cootamundra High School in the state's Riverina and brought downs powerlines and trees.

The State Emergency Service (SES) received around 400 calls for help in the last 24 hours, with the Illawarra and south coast regions the worst hit.

Around 9000 properties lost power across the Endeavour Energy network on Tuesday night, and about 1800 homes and businesses, mostly in the south, were still without power on Wednesday.

Ausgrid crews are working to get power back to about 1500 properties in parts of Corlette and Nelson Bay while Endeavour Energy said 1400 properties on its network were still without power around Nowra on the south coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology cancelled a severe weather warning on Wednesday as conditions eased.

But strong and galeforce marine wind warnings remain in place from the Eden coast up to the Macquarie coast.

Residents are being urged to put away loose items around the yard or balcony, move cars under cover and stay clear of any fallen trees or power lines.