A severe weather warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for southeastern and central parts of NSW today with forecasts of “vigorous and gusty winds” of up to 120 km/h for areas above 1,900 metres.
For areas below 1,900 metres, damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h, with gusts reaching 90 km/h are possible for the Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, ACT, Illawarra and parts of the Central Tablelands.
Winds are expected to ease this evening.
The State Emergency Service (SES) advises that people should move vehicles under cover or away from trees and secure or put away loose items around their house, yard and balcony.
Fallen power lines should be reported to Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093).
A total fire ban also remains in place for the South Coast as the fire danger rating is set at severe.
Due to a revised forecast, there are now 7 areas under a Total Fire Ban today, due to hot and windy weather. This now includes the Far South Coast area. Know what you and your family will do if fire threatens and please report all new unattended fires to Triple Zero (000) #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/3WmuDVNZ5C
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) January 22, 2020
NSW Rural Fire Service public liaison officer Kelwyn White says that despite recent rainfall, Eurobodalla is expected to experience a return to warm, dry and windy conditions and increasing fire activity is therefore likely.
“The fires are still not under control, although easing conditions of late have provided opportunity to implement containment strategies,” she said.
“We are asking the community to remain vigilant and not allow complacency to set in as we are yet to see these strategies tested under adverse conditions.”
Residents in Eurobodalla’s rural and remote locations are being urged to review their bushfire survival plan and be aware of fire danger ratings and alert levels.
Eurobodalla will also move to level 4 water restrictions on Tuesday, 28 January. This means that gardens can only be watered with cans or buckets, and washing and rinsing of private vehicles must be done on the grass with buckets between either 6:00 to 8:00 am or 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
Eurobodalla Fire Update Wednesday 22 January 2020
We've had some easier weather the last few days but expect a bit of wind and warmer temperatures tonight and tomorrow. Here's Kelwyn White with an RFS update on Eurobodalla's fires. Rural residents should stay vigilant. Also in today's recovery news: ✅outreach services for Mogo and Malua Bay this Friday ✅NRL legends come to town ✅Farm fencing help Read about it all at www.esc.nsw.gov.au/recovery
Posted by Eurobodalla Shire Council on Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Eurobodalla’s Recovery Centre in Batemans Bay will get mobile this Friday, visiting the communities of Mogo and Malua Bay to talk to fire-impacted residents about their needs.
Mogo:
Friday, 24 January, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Boomerang Meeting Place, 2 Church Street, Mogo.
Malua Bay:
Friday, 24 January, 3.30 pm to 6:00 pm
Batemans Bay Surf Life Saving Club, 560 George Bass Dr, Malua Bay.