A large hailstorm in the Blue Mountains has caused the roof of a sports centre to partially collapse and left dozens of properties damaged.
Emergency crews have been inundated with calls since the downpour in Katoomba just before 2.30pm (AEDT).
PICTURES: Hail covers Katoomba in white
The State Emergency Service (SES) received about 16 calls for help in the 10 minutes after the storm, most of which reported leaking roofs and water damage, a spokesman told AAP.
Part of the roof at Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre had collapsed, said to Fire and Rescue NSW spokesman Ian Krimmer.
There was also an electrical fire in an air-conditioning duct at a Coles supermarket as a result of a roof leak.
No injuries have been reported.
Blue Mountains resident Grant told ABC radio it was "like it was snowing" in Katoomba.
"It's about a foot thick in my backyard. It's just white everywhere ... probably getting close to the size of table tennis ball," he said.
"It's a blanket. I haven't seen anything like this in ages."
Phil Campbell from the SES said a severe thunderstorm warning for the Sydney metropolitan area had been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology and had the potential to cause flash flooding and hail.
"There's certainly the potential for further storms to develop," he told AAP.
"While the worst might be over for Katoomba at the moment, they should certainly remain vigilant up there."
Mr Campbell said there had also been a severe storm and localised flooding in Murwillimbah, in NSW's far north, which received in an hour.
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