Thunder and lightning are crashing through New South Wales this afternoon with heavy rain, large hail and damaging winds all a risk. During the afternoon a severe thunderstorm warning was issued from about Young to Singleton, including western Sydney. The storms have produced hail just north Of Canberra and in the Blue Mountains and have cooled parts of western Sydney by 10 degrees after a warm, muggy day. Storms across the state are due to a low pressure trough which is providing significant instability. For the rest of the afternoon and evening severe thunderstorms remain a risk. Storms are possible all the way up to the Queensland border, mostly along the ranges. Eastern parts of Sydney are only a low risk of receiving thunderstorms today as moderate southeasterly winds are providing extra stability near the coast. For those in western Sydney or near the New South Wales ranges it is recommended that you continue to watch the warnings as they arrive. These can be found at www.weatherzone.com.au/warnings.jsp