Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Illawarra and parts of South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, Australian Capital Territory and South West Slopes Forecast Districts.

Issued at 11:11 am Friday, 19 July 2024.

Damaging winds developing from this evening, with blizzard conditions in alpine areas.

Weather Situation: A strengthening northwesterly flow ahead of an approaching cold front will bring vigorous winds to southern and central ranges and adjacent coastlines, and blizzards to to the alpine region from this evening. Winds are forecast to shift southwesterly and then ease from the southwest following the passage of the front from late Saturday evening.

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 this 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 likely from this evening, easing Saturday evening.

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

For parts of the SOUTH COAST, SOUTHERN TABLELANDS, ILLAWARRA AND BLUE MOUNTAINS: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts up to 100 km/h are likely to develop over elevated terrain from late this evening, extending to lower elevations including the Illawarra coastline during Saturday morning. Damaging winds are expected to ease during Sunday morning.

Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Ulladulla, Bowral, Katoomba, Oberon, Goulburn, Cooma 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.