Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Snowy Mountains, Australian Capital Territory and South West Slopes Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:33 pm Thursday, 18 July 2024.
Damaging winds and blizzard conditions developing about the alpine region from Friday evening.

Weather Situation: A strengthening northwesterly flow ahead of an approaching cold front will bring vigorous winds and blizzards to to the alpine region from Friday evening. Winds are forecast to shift southwesterly and then ease on Saturday afternoon or evening following the passage of the front

For the ALPINE REGION ABOVE 1900 METRES: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 80 to 90 km/h with peak gusts of around 125 km/h, along with BLIZZARD conditions are likely from Friday evening, easing late Saturday evening.

FOR the ALPINE REGION ABOVE 1500 METRES: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h, along with BLIZZARD conditions are possible from Friday evening, easing Saturday afternoon.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service recommends that back country travel be postponed until conditions improve.

Locations which may be affected include Mount Ginini, Perisher Valley, Charlotte Pass and Thredbo Top Station.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.