According to the Bureau of Meteorology, increasing northwesterly winds are developing ahead of a cold front that is expected to move through southeastern New South Wales on Friday night. Damaging winds averaging around 60 km/h with peak gusts of 100 km/h are forecast to develop for the Snowy Mountains forecast district on Thursday night and extend to the parts of the South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes and Australian Capital Territory forecast districts with areas above above about 500 metres most likely to be affected. Alpine Peaks may experience winds around 80 km/h with peak gusts around 130 km/h.

Severe Weather Warning: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/severe.shtml  

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 clear of fallen power lines and damaged buildings.
• Check your roof is in good repair.

Storms are possible in some areas and people should watch out for hail and possible flash flooding. Never enter flash flood water. For information on preparing for and being safer in storms, visit www.stormsafe.com.au

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.