Damaging winds are expected across parts of the ACT, Snowy Mountains and Southern Tablelands from Tuesday (8 July). Image: BoM.
Canberrans and those in the Capital Region have been warned to tie down trampolines and secure bins, with damaging wind gusts possible during the week.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning ahead of a powerful and fast-moving cold front which is expected to impact southern NSW and the ACT by mid-Tuesday (8 July) morning.
The cold front has hit Western Australia today (7 July) with winds between 90 and 100 km/h. It will race east across the country, bringing some rain with it.
“But it is really the wind that I want to hammer home as being the key point for potential severe weather,” meteorologist Angus Hines said.
“NSW [is] the last spot to get the winds but it will be very, very strong when it does arrive.”
Isolated gusts of about 100 km/h to 110 km/h are forecast for Snowy Mountain peaks above 1900 metres.
Elevated parts of the ACT, the rest of the southern ranges and the Southern Tablelands could see peak damaging north-westerly gusts of about 90 km/h.
Blizzard conditions are likely across the western Snowy Mountains above 1500 metres from late Tuesday afternoon.
Possible snowfall totals between 10 cm to 30 cm from late Tuesday into Wednesday morning are on the cards.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has recommended that people postpone any backcountry travel until conditions improve.
Locations which may be affected include Thredbo Tops, Goulburn and Crookwell.
Winds are forecast to ease by Wednesday (9 July) morning, with another cold front to approach from the southwest.
This could bring with it more snow, with Thursday morning (10 July) predicted to deliver the week’s heaviest snowfalls in the alpine resorts.
Snow elevations could fall to as low as 800 metres.
“For now, expect two distinct bouts of cold and potentially severe weather across most parts of southern Australia this week,” Weatherzone’s Anthony Sharwood said.
“Only areas east of the Great Dividing Range will be spared from the bleakest weather.”
In light of the current severe weather warning, the State Emergency Service advises 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
- Stay vigilant and monitor conditions.
For emergency help in floods and storms, phone your local SES Unit on 132 500.
