The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning of damaging winds. Image: Bureau of Meteorology.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning today (6 March) for the ACT, as well as parts of South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains and South West Slopes Forecast Districts after a cold front hit the area.
Potentially damaging wind gusts are expected this afternoon before they ease and strengthen again early on Tuesday (7 March).
The Bureau notes that Braidwood, Jindabyne, Perisher Valley, Charlotte Pass, Thredbo and Adaminaby may be among the affected areas, with peak gusts of around 125 km/h possible over Alpine areas above 1900 metres today before redeveloping in the early hours of Tuesday morning and persisting into the afternoon and evening.
Peak gusts of 90 to 100 km/h are possible over the remaining parts of the warning area above 1000 metres from early Tuesday morning, including in the higher ranges in the Southern Tablelands and South Coast districts.
The severe weather warning comes as large parts of NSW and the ACT are being watched due to heightened bushfire risk.
The Southern Ranges are under a total fire ban as authorities look to prevent fires, while most of southern NSW is under a High Fire Danger Rating.
NSW is set to face a heatwave, with the Bureau forecasting that some areas will exceed 40 degrees and NSW Police have called on individuals to be careful of their conduct during the hot weather.
“During extremely hot weather, we often see an increase in tragic incidents including drownings, falls from windows or balconies, and kids, pets or vulnerable people suffering distress or injury from being left in a hot car,” said State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Emergency Management Peter Thurtell said.
“I cannot stress strongly enough how dangerous it can be to leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle – and on a hot day, it only takes a matter of minutes to become deadly.
“Anyone who locates children, vulnerable people or pets unattended in a vehicle, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.”
The State Emergency Service advises that during the intense winds, we 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 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.
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