Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, Australian Capital Territory, Northern Tablelands and parts of Northern Rivers and Central Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 11:34 am Tuesday, 31 May 2022.

Risk for damaging winds continuing on and east of the Great Dividing Range.

Weather Situation: A deep low pressure system over the southwest Tasman Sea will maintain a vigorous westerly flow over NSW on Tuesday and into Wednesday. A second low pressure system moving into eastern Bass Strait will strengthen winds over Alpine and southern coastal NSW during Wednesday morning.

DAMAGING WINDS with peak gusts to 90km/h are possible on and east of the Great Dividing Range from the Illawarra to the Queensland border during Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. Strong winds averaging 50 to 65km/h are possible about higher ground and through the Hunter region. The Sydney area is most likely to be affected on Wednesday morning.

Strong winds averaging 60 to 70km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS to 100km/h are possible on and east of the ranges in southern parts of NSW from early on Wednesday morning. BLIZZARDS are likely about locations above 1800 metres, and possible above 1200 metres. The National Parks Service of NSW recommends that people consider postponing back country travel until conditions improve.

Conditions are expected to ease across the state from the north on Wednesday afternoon, easing in the south by Wednesday evening.

Locations which may be affected include Taree, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Batemans Bay, Armidale, Canberra and Goulburn.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the North West Slopes and Plains district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

Saturated soils bring an increased risk of gusty winds toppling trees and powerlines, particularly along elevated terrain.

Severe weather warnings are also current for adjacent areas of Victoria and Queensland. Refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

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.