A Severe Weather Warning is in place for for DAMAGING WINDS for people in parts of the South Coast, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory Forecast Districts.
Weather Situation: North to northwesterly winds are increasing ahead of an approaching cold front during Wednesday, peaking in strength as the cold front is passing during Thursday. DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible for parts above 1500 m of the Snowy Mountains, ACT, Southern Tablelands and South Coast from Thursday morning. DAMAGING WINDS averaging 80 to 90 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 125 km/h are likely for Alpine areas above 1900 m from early Thursday morning into Thursday evening. Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds over the Alpine area by Friday morning. Locations which may be affected include Mount Ginini, Perisher Valley, Charlotte Pass, Thredbo Top Station, Cabramurra and Selwyn. The State Emergency Service advises that 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.Image: BOM