A Severe Weather Warning is in place for South East NSW and the ACT today (Monday November 21).
A strong cold front that is forecast to shift off the coast later this morning will produce a vigorous westerly airstream across southeastern parts of the state today according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
DAMAGING WESTERLY WINDS averaging 50 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are likely today across elevated parts of the warning area above 900 metres.
The warning is in place for people on the South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains and the ACT.
Locations which may be affected inlcude Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Batemans Bay, Orange, Canberra, Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Deniliquin.
For the remainder of the warning area, including Sydney metropolitan area and Canberra, conditions will develop during the day with DAMAGING GUSTS in excess of 90 km/h possible, especially with showers or thunderstorms across the Riverina and South West Slopes.
DAMAGING WINDS averaging 80 to 90 km/h are possible over Alpine areas above 1900 m today.
Some moderation is expected later this evening although the risk will persist over elevated terrain.
There is also a Sheep Graziers Warning in place for the South East today and a Gale Wind Warning along the Batemans and Eden coast today.
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.
For more information visit the Bureau’s website or call 1300 659 210.
Image: Bureau of Meteorology
