The sky was littered with strobe-like lightning flashes in the early hours of Friday morning, as the front crossed the ocean.

The first drops fell just after 6am after a long build up of thunder and lightning that continued throughout the morning. 

By 7.30am drains were flooded and water was gushing across different sections of Old Bar Road.

Taree's Anzac Day parade was cancelled and the service moved undercover to Greater Taree City Council's carpark.

Local photographer, Jason Allan took the above photograph from Black Head Beach on Anzac morning.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued this warning just after 8am today: 

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Cessnock and Maitland.

76 mm has been recorded at Nabiac in the 1 hour to 745 am

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

* Move your car under cover or away from trees.

* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.

* Keep clear of fallen power lines.

* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.

* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.

* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.

* Unplug computers and appliances.

* Avoid using the phone during the storm.

* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.

* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.

The next warning is due to be issued by 11:05 am.