Fresh dumping of snow 10 days from summer as damaging winds forecast for southeast region

Wind gusts in excess of 90 km/h have been predicted for large parts of southeast NSW and the ACT. Photo: BoM.

A damaging winds warning has been issued for large parts of NSW’s southeast as a strong cold front makes its way to the coast today (21 November).

The Bureau of Meteorology said damaging westerly winds averaging 50 to 70 km/h, with peak gusts exceeding 90 km/h, were likely across elevated parts of the warning area above 900 metres, as well as across the Goulburn region and east to the Illawarra coast.

For the remainder of the warning area, including Canberra, squally conditions will develop throughout the day, with damaging gusts above 90 km/h possible.

This likelihood increased with the showers and thunderstorms forecast across the Riverina and South West Slopes.

Locations expected to be impacted include Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Batemans Bay, Orange, Canberra, Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Deniliquin.

While damaging winds averaging 80 to 90 km/h are possible in Alpine areas above 1900 metres, and a gale warning has been issued across the south coast.

“Some moderation is expected later this evening, although the risk will persist over elevated terrain,” the BoM said.

It’s after wild winds whipped parts of the state at the weekend, with Thredbo recording a gust of 114.8 km/h.

Conditions for most areas will start to ease by Tuesday, with a high-pressure system to become the predominant feature across the southeast by Wednesday.

Meanwhile those at Perisher Resort have awoken to a fresh dumping of snow.

“We are pleasantly surprised to see 17cm of fresh snow covering our resort,” a spokesperson said.

“We are only 10 days out of summer and we are experiencing sub zero temperatures and snow across Perisher resort, how good!”

Perisher Resort has had 17 cm of fresh snow just 10 days from the start of summer. Photo: Perisher Resort.

The State Emergency Service advises 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.

Original Article published by Claire Fenwicke on Riotact.