Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Illawarra and parts of Metropolitan, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, Hunter and South West Slopes Forecast Districts.

Issued at 8:49 am Wednesday, 28 August 2024.
Damaging winds over parts of southeastern New South Wales today.

Weather Situation: An approaching cold front is currently producing a strong northwesterly pressure gradient across southeastern New South Wales. The front is forecast to move into the state later this morning and track eastward across southern and central parts later this afternoon and evening, with winds turning westerly in its wake.
For PARTS OF THE GREAT DIVIDING RANGE AND FAR WESTERN SYDNEY: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are likely, easing by late evening.

For PARTS OF SOUTHEAST SYDNEY: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible, easing later this afternoon.
For the ILLAWARRA: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 70 to 80 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are likely, easing by early evening.

For ALPINE PEAKS above 1900M: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 80 to 90 km/h with peak gusts of around 125 km/h are possible, easing later this afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Braidwood, Katoomba, Bombala, Nerriga, Perisher Valley, Charlotte Pass, Thredbo and Adaminaby.

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.