Teen dies after being struck by lightning in NSW storms

A 15-year-old has died and a man is fighting for his life after both were struck by lightning in Sydney's wild afternoon storms.

The teenage boy was swimming in the ocean near Port Stephens and was struck on emerging from the water, witnesses said.

A Sydney man in his 50s was unloading groceries when a lightning bolt struck a tree he was standing under.

The intense storm was felt across the city, bringing down trees in Penrith.

One couple were lucky to escape unharmed after a massive gum tree crushed their four-wheel drive.