For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call NSW SES on 132 500   In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
NSW SES NSW Government
NSW SES
translate keyboard_arrow_down

Snow

Snow in NSW occurs on an irregular basis from year to year and often with little warning. At times from late autumn through to early spring, significant outbreaks of cold air advance northwards over NSW resulting in unseasonably cold temperatures. 
 
These conditions can produce snow and ice-related problems for communities outside of the Alpine areas.

Prepare, respond and recover from snow

Know your risk

The safest place to be during a snow hazard is under sturdy and secure shelter, away from trees, powerlines and low-lying areas. 

Vehicles can be stranded on roads which are impassable, and communities can be isolated for hours or days.

Know the warnings

The NSW SES will issue warnings for unusual snow events using the Australian Warning System including Advice, Watch and Act and Emergency Warnings. 

Advice (Yellow): An incident has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.

Watch and Act (Orange): There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.

Emergency Warning (Red): This is the highest level of warning. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk. 

Download the Hazards Near Me App and set your watch zones to get the NSW SES warnings.

Download for iOS | Download for Android

Make a plan

  •  Have a discussion with your family, friends and neighbours about what you will do if there is snow.
  • Chimneys require regular cleaning and inspection by professional tradespersons.
  • Gas appliances and heating systems should be regularly serviced by licensed specialists.
  • Consider a standby source for cooking such as a camp stove and only use in a well-ventilated area.
  • Keep an emergency supply of long-life food and bottled water for your family that can last for several days. 
     

Get ready 

  • Fix any damage to your roof including broken or missing tiles and any leaks. 

  • Clean your gutters, downpipes and drains to prevent blockage. 

  • Trim trees and branches that could potentially fall on your home or property. 

  • Consider a standby source for cooking such as a camp stove and only use in a well-ventilated area. 

  •  Make sure your insurance is current and covers you for what you need.

Plan to respond

  • Do not travel unless you absolutely need to. 

  • Seek shelter away from trees, powerlines and low-lying areas. 

  • Move vehicles under cover, away from trees, powerlines and low-lying areas. 

  • If you are driving and you become stranded, keep your engine running and put your hazard lights on. 

  • Listen to local media for information, updates and advice. 

  • Follow all advice from emergency services. 

Plan to recover

  • Check your house or property for damage. 

  • Follow health and safety advice.

  • Seek professional assessments from qualified assessors for any damaged structures, electrical items and insurance. 

  • Stay around your location. Sightseeing will hinder recovery efforts or put yourself and others at risk. 

  • Avoid fallen powerlines. 

  • Check to see if your neighbours need help.  

Local information
Understand warning levels
Make an emergency plan
Prepare your home and property
What to do during a storm

Be prepared with these apps

Download these four apps for weather warnings, hazard notifications, road impacts advice and help from emergency services.

Hazards Near Me

Set up a watch zone to receive notifications on changing conditions.

Live Traffic
Plan ahead and see what hazards are impacting your route on NSW roads.
BOM Weather
Check for weather forecasts and warnings.
Emergency Plus
The ‘what 3 words’ feature shares your precise location with emergency services.