A bushfire emergency has been declared in the NSW Hunter region as homes come under threat and authorities warn the situation could intensify if blustery conditions continue.

Firefighters gathered at the BP service station near Salt Ash, as the blaze first began on Thursday.

The NSW Rural Fire Service upgraded the incident to an emergency early today as strong winds continued, warning locals to monitor the situation and follow the direction of firefighters in the area.

RFS Deputy Commissioner Rob Rogers said two sheds were destroyed overnight and the fire was threatening properties.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-23/nsw-bushfire-emergency-continues/10546646

K.J.

For those who may be planning to go to Port Stephens - Nelson Bay Road has now been reopened to traffic (40kph speed limit) but Richardson and Medowie roads remain closed. The firefighters are really going to battle to control this one with the already strong winds being predicted to get up to 90kph by his arvo. Flights out of Newcastle Airport have been experiencing delays due to the smoke, not a great time for this to happen with the huge number of visitors coming into the area for the Newcastle 500 supercar race. I really feel for the people who live in that Port Stephens area every year they seem to have a large fire threaten their properties and the emergency services people are continually putting their lives on the line trying to save them.

BB