The storm moved across the coast at about 8.30pm bringing with it squally winds, heavy bursts of rain, severe thunder and lightning.

Dozens of lightning strikes were recorded between Laurieton, Port Macquarie and inland to Wauchope.

State Emergency Services crews were on the job assessing damage including a tree down on the road at John Oxley Drive.

Widespread power outages were experienced with Essential Energy crews tasked with the job of restoring power to hundreds of residents in Port Macquarie around the Lake Road industrial area, south at Bonny Hills and from Sancrox west to King Creek and Wauchope.

The storm rumbled through until 10pm and marked the end of a hot and humid day where temperatures across the region peaked at around 31 degrees.

Christmas day weather in the Hastings is expected to bring with it more humidity, showers and possible afternoon thunderstorms in the north.

Temperatures should reach 26-29 degrees with south-east to south-westerly winds.