Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:59 am Monday, 26 May 2025.

Damaging winds about the elevated southeast today, broadening along the Great Dividing Range and Illawarra on Tuesday.

Weather Situation: Strong northwesterly winds are expected to continue today ahead of a significant cold front, bringing damaging winds about elevated southeastern parts of the state. Vigorous westerly winds are expected in its wake on Tuesday, bringing a broader risk of damaging winds along the Great Dividing Range and southern coastal regions.

For SNOWY MOUNTAINS and ACT RANGES above 1400 metres: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are expected to develop today. Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds during Tuesday evening.

FOR ALPINE AREAS above 1900 metres: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 80 to 90 km/h with peak gusts of around 125 km/h are expected to develop today. Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds overnight into Tuesday.

BLIZZARD conditions are possible over parts of the Snowy Mountains district above 1400 metres from late Monday evening. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service recommends that back country travel be postponed until conditions improve.

For remaining SOUTHEASTERN AREAS INCLUDING WOLLONGONG: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are expected to develop Tuesday morning. Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds during Tuesday evening.

For NORTHERN AREAS: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts around 90 km/h are expected to develop Tuesday morning. Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds overnight into Wednesday.

Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Braidwood, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Katoomba, Goulburn, Selwyn, Bredbo, Adaminaby and Nimmitabel.

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.