Strong winds have been blowing across Sydney and surrounding areas this afternoon bringing down trees and powerlines and causing damage to homes and businesses. The NSW SES has been responding to 136 jobs since 1pm today in areas around the Hunter, Central Coast, Illawarra, South Coast and Sydney suburbs like Blacktown, Parramatta, Hornsby, Randwick and Carlingford.

At North Parramatta, a section of roof of a 10 storey building was damaged in the blustery conditions, powerlines were brought down at Chatswood and NSW SES crews are currently working on a large tree at Blacktown that is threatening to topple over on a nearby home.

A total of over 400 jobs have eventuated since the strong winds impacted the state earlier this week. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for Sydney, the Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains and ACT districts. Wind gusts of up to 90kmh are forecast for these areas but are expected to ease later this evening.

NSW SES Commissioner, Murray Kear, is urging people to stay safe during these strong winds.

"The best place for people to be at the moment is indoors away from windows," he said. "It's also important for people to make sure their children come inside and their pets are in a safe place."  

"Be sure to secure or put away any loose items around the yard or balcony and make sure your car is parked under cover or at least away from trees or powerlines," Commissioner Kear said.

"After these strong winds have passed I would encourage everyone to stay clear of any fallen powerlines and please resist the temptation to go sightseeing as you will be getting in the way of emergency service crews," he added.

Learn how to be StormSafe .

For emergency help in a storm call the NSW SES on 132 500.