14-year-old boy struck by lightning, 35,000 homes without power in New South Wales

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The fires coincide with storms that have rocked much of Sydney, the Hunter and Illawarra regions, leaving more than 35,000 homes without power.

A 14-year-old boy has died after being struck by lightning at One Mile Beach, north of Newcastle.

It is understood he was standing in shallow water when he was struck, suffering a cardiac arrest.

NSW Fire and Rescue's Tom Coopers said rescue crews received a call for help from a house that was struck by lightning in Lansvale in Sydney's west.

"The fire has severely damaged the roof but it's also gotten into the walls of the structure," Mr Coopers said.

"We understand that there's a woman there aged around her 40s, we believe. She's been affected by the lightning strike in someway.

"She's felt tingling sensations in her body and so [the] NSW Ambulance service will take a look at her."

The heavy storm has caused many fallen trees and traffic lights to be blacked out across Sydney.

Dave Bushman from New South Wales SES said Western Sydney had been the worst hit by storm damage.

"Penrith would probably be the hardest hit at this point of time," Mr Bushman said.

"Since 2:00pm we've had 125 jobs come through for the Penrith area but we've also seen some significant damage around the Sutherland and southern parts of Sydney area as well - Liverpool, Bankstown, Campbelltown areas.