Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:45 pm Thursday, 29 August 2024.

Damaging winds redeveloping over southeastern parts of the state tonight and continuing into Friday.

Weather Situation: West to northwesterly winds are forecast to strengthen later this evening as a strong cold front approaches and moves over southern parts of the state during Friday morning.

FOR THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS AND SOUTHERN PARTS OF THE ACT: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts up to 100 km/h are possible from late this evening. For areas above 1900m DAMAGING WINDS may average 80 to 90 km/h with peak gusts of around 125 km/h. Winds are expected to ease during Friday afternoon.

FOR EASTERN DISTRICTS INCLUDING THE ILLAWARRA, parts of the CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN TABLELANDS and BLUE MOUNTAINS: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible over the elevated terrain and slopes during early Friday morning, extending to coastal areas after sunrise. Conditions are expected to ease during by Friday afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Batemans Bay, Katoomba, Goulburn, Jindabyne and Thredbo Top Station.

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.