Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:48 am Sunday, 9 August 2026.

Damaging winds over alpine areas today, extending broadly across eastern NSW on Monday.

Weather Situation: North to northwesterly winds will strengthen on Sunday ahead of a cold front forecast to cross NSW later on Sunday. Vigorous west to northwesterly winds will follow on Monday as a low pressure system moves into Bass Strait, extending gusty conditions broadly over the Great Dividing Range, the Hunter Valley and elevated terrain over eastern New South Wales.

For SNOWY MOUNTAINS above 1500 metres: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are likely during Sunday, easing later on Monday.

For ALPINE AREAS above 1900 metres: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 80 to 90 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 125 km/h are likely during Sunday, easing during Monday morning.

For the GREAT DIVIDING RANGE broadly: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible from Monday morning, becoming more likely during Monday afternoon, then gradually easing from early Tuesday morning.

For the HUNTER VALLEY, including NEWCASTLE: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are likely during Monday afternoon, easing later on Monday evening.

Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Armidale, Goulburn, Scone, Tenterfield, Katoomba, Cooma, Cessnock, Maitland, Perisher Valley and Thredbo Top Station.

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).