Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:21 am Monday, 10 August 2026.

Damaging winds along the Great Dividing Range, extending to coastal plains including Newcastle and Wollongong today.

Weather Situation: Vigorous westerly flow will extend along much of the Great Dividing Range today in the wake of a cold front. Winds are expected to shift southwesterly with the passage of a trough overnight into Tuesday, gradually easing later into the day.

For the HUNTER VALLEY, including NEWCASTLE: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts around 90 km/h are likely this afternoon, easing into the evening.

For the ILLAWARRA COAST, including WOLLONGONG: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts around 90 km/h are possible this morning and afternoon, however are more likely from late this evening into early Tuesday morning.

For ALPINE AREAS above 1800 metres: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 90 to 100 km/h with peak gusts around 120 km/h are likely, expected to ease during the afternoon.

For the remainder of the GREAT DIVIDING RANGE: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts around 100 km/h are likely today, gradually easing below warning thresholds during Tuesday morning.

Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Wollongong, Armidale, Goulburn, Nowra, Scone, Katoomba, Cessnock, Maitland, Bowral, Braidwood, Dorrigo and Thredbo Top Station.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the South West Slopes and Australian Capital Territory districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

90 km/h wind gust was recorded at Bellambi at 10:04 am.

101 km/h sustained winds were recorded at Thredbo Top Station at 10:05 am.

102 km/h wind gust was recorded at Murrurundi Gap at 4:56 am.

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).