News

A strong cold front will move through parts of New South Wales and the ACT today, accompanied by vigorous westerly winds. The front will also bring a gusty southerly buster to the coastal fringe of the Illawarra, Sydney and Hunter districts in the late afternoon and evening.

The Bureau of Meteorology have issued a Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds for people in Illawarra, parts of Hunter, Metropolitan, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory Forecast Districts.

The areas which may be affected include Sydney, Wollongong, The Entrance, Nowra, Bowral, Braidwood and Goulburn. A gust of 98 km/h has already been recorded at Nerriga this afternoon at 2:00 pm.

This afternoon and into the evening damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with gusts in excess of 90 km/h, are possible along the coastal fringe of the Illawarra, Sydney Metropolitan and Hunter districts (including the Central Coast).

To read the full warnings visit the Bureau of Meteorology website.

People in these locations can prepare for damaging wind by moving their vehicles under cover or away from trees that could fall.

Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony that could blow away.

Make sure your roof is in good repair and fix any broken or damaged tiles.

Catastrophic fire conditions are also in place for the Sydney, Hunter and Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas as the hot, dry and gusty winds will generate very dangerous fire conditions across these areas.

For the latest information on fires visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

• The NSW SES 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.
• 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.
• For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500 or if it is a life threatening situation call 000.