The current weather situation with a East Coast Low system off the Southern Coast of NSW with winds from the south east is conducive to snow falls throughout the Southern Tablelands, the Blue Mountains, Armidale and areas around Canberra. Local Government Areas that are affected are:

• Palerang
• Upper Lachlan
• Goulburn Mulwaree
• Blue Mountains
• Bathurst
• Guyra

The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that snow falls of up to 5 centimetres have been recorded overnight. NSW SES is urging communities in elevated areas to take care. The conditions will ease into this morning.

Snow is affecting the driving conditions on the Hume, Federal and Kings Highways. These highways may be closed at any time. Some local roads have been closed by snow and ice, and some rural properties may experience a period of isolation. Power may be lost if snow is sufficiently heavy to bring down trees and branches onto power lines.

At 07.00 am, power outages have been reported by Essential Energy at:

• Mt Fairey -102 customers
• Collector/Cullerin – 141
• Berridale /Eucumbene – 71
• Crookwell/Taralga – 432

Tune into local radio stations for information on power outages and possible road closures.

Motorists should seek information on road conditions and closures from the Roads and Maritime Services NSW on 132 701 or go to the RMS web site www.rta.nsw.gov.au . Motorists should avoid driving on snow covered roads or in conditions that make driving hazardous.

For assistance in a life threatening emergency call 000. For help if property affected by snow or storm and require assistance, call the SES on 132 500.