Storms forecast for Sydney region

Blue Mountains and southern NSW residents are being warned to prepare for severe thunderstorms and hail.

The Bureau of Meteorology says thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones and damaging winds over the next several hours.

Hail has been reported at Blackheath.

Areas which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Batemans Bay, Eden, Orange, Bathurst, Katoomba, Canberra, Goulburn, Cooma and Yass.

An earlier warning for the Central West Slopes and Plains has been cancelled.