Damaging wind gusts of around 100 km/h are possible for large parts of NSW and the ACT today (Monday, 12 December), as showers and thunderstorms lash the region.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued the warning for the Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains regions, as well as parts of the South West Slopes, South Coast and Canberra.
Damaging winds averaging 80 km/h with peak gusts of 125 km/h are possible for alpine areas above 1900 metres.
The winds are expected to ease this evening.
It’s as a strong cold front is moving out to sea across eastern NSW.
This is accompanied by a trough which is generating gusty, fast-moving thunderstorms over parts of the state as well, with a severe thunderstorm warning also issued for Canberra, Yass and Young.
We’ve all been urged to take the usual precautions as well as make sure our outside Christmas decorations are tied down, as damaging winds can pull them down.
“With already saturated soils, it will not take much for these damaging wind gusts to easily pull out trees and damage your property,” NSW SES Chief Superintendent Sonya Oyston said.
“It is important to prepare your home and items by tying down loose items, parking your car undercover, away from trees and cutting branches that could cause damage to your home.”
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
- Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall
- 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. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.