Severe thunderstorms and 'giant hail' forecast for Sydney

Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce arrives in Sydney

Severe thunderstorms with giant hail are forecast for this afternoon and evening in Sydney, the Illawarra and the Blue Mountains.

The weather warning is creating a nervous wait for Taylor Swift fans attending the first show in the Sydney leg of her Eras Tour tonight.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said high-end storms were possible.

NSW Storms forecast Fri (23/2): SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS forecast east today, with high-end severe storms possible in #Sydney #Illawarra #BlueMountains & southern ranges. DAMAGING/DESTRUCTIVE WINDS, HEAVY FALLS, LARGE/GIANT HAIL all concerns. Monitor warning https://t.co/Ss766eSCrL pic.twitter.com/uhtVNfN1Ko

— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) February 23, 2024

“High chance of showers late this afternoon and evening,” BoM said in its forecast.

“A thunderstorm likely during this afternoon and evening, possibly severe with damaging winds, heavy falls and large hail.”

Accor Stadium said the show would go ahead rain or shine on its website.

Fans line up for merch again at Sydney Olympic Park.

“The only exception would be severe weather which could impact the safety of artists and patrons,” Accor Stadium said.

“Any updates will be communicated to attendees.”

Umbrellas are not permitted into the stadium and rain ponchos are recommended.

Brisbane Airport shows two Jetstar and two Virgin flights heading to Sydney tonight have been cancelled.