Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 2:30 pm Thursday, 2 July 2026.

Damaging winds forecast for parts of the southeast, with blizzards possible over alpine areas overnight Thursday into Friday.

Weather Situation: Vigorous northwesterly flow is expected to continue over alpine areas during Thursday as another cold front approaches. Following the passage of this system, robust westerly winds will result in strengthening winds along the South Coast Ranges to Nowra from late Friday morning.

For ALPINE AREAS above 1900 metres: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 80 to 90 km/h with peaks gusts up to 120 km/h are likely during Thursday and Friday, easing during Friday afternoon.

For the SNOWY MOUNTAINS and BRINDABELLAS: Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS up to 100 km/h are possible during Thursday, contracting to above 1200 metres during this evening. Winds easing during Friday morning.

For the SNOWY MOUNTAINS above 1400 metres: BLIZZARD conditions are forecast from the late evening. Blizzard conditions are forecast to ease during Friday morning.

For the SOUTH COAST RANGES and parts of the ILLAWARRA: Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of 90 km/h are possible from late Friday morning, easing by the evening.

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

Locations which may be affected include Nowra, Nerriga, Perisher Valley, Cooma and Thredbo Top Station.

A 94 km/h wind gust was observed at Perisher Valley at 4:05am Thursday.

A 104 km/h wind gust was observed at Cabramurra at 10:49 pm Wednesday.

Winds averaging 93 km/h with a gust of 128 km/h were observed at Thredbo around 9:43 pm Wednesday.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains.
* 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.
* 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.
For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).