A severe weather warning for damaging winds in the ACT, Snowy Mountains and South has been issued. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for winds in excess of 100 km/h which are expected to hit the region this afternoon and evening (7 October).
The Bureau released the warning just after 11:00 am for winds averaging between 80 to 90 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 120 km/h likely in the Snowy Mountains and parts of the South Coast, South West Slopes and Australian Capital Territory districts.
The winds will strengthen as a dynamic frontal system moves across the south of NSW before tracking away to the north during the afternoon.
Further bands of rain and possible thunderstorms are also predicted. Up to 15 mm of rain is expected to fall, with possible snow showers in the Snowy Mountains for areas above 1900 metres.
Winds are expected to ease late on Thursday (8 October), however, the Bureau has also forecast further thunderstorms with gusty winds and the possibility of large hail.
Thunderstorms are expected to continue on Thursday, becoming severe with gusty winds and possible large hail. Most likely in a line west of the Divide before midday, progressing eastward later across a wide area including Canberra and Sydney. https://t.co/gLCVHUhAJP pic.twitter.com/BbdstDDyTz
— Bureau of Meteorology Australian Capital Territory (@BOM_ACT) October 7, 2020
Meteorologist Shuang Wang said there is a risk that winds could bring down trees or powerlines.
“Winds in the Alpine areas could be stronger than 120km/h by early Thursday,” Ms Wang said.
“There’s also the risk of large hail and flash flooding.
“Potentially severe storms could develop in Canberra by mid-morning on Thursday and by later that afternoon in Sydney, the Illawarra and the Hunter.”
She also said temperatures will be quite warm ahead of the change as tropical air is in the north of Australia is pulled south by a deepening low-pressure system.
“Families away on school holidays are encouraged to monitor warnings for their locations,” Ms Wang said.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should move their vehicles under cover or away from trees and secure or put away loose items around their house, yard and balcony.
People can also report any fallen power lines or outages to their local energy supplier.
Following a warm and sunny long weekend, the maximum daytime temperatures are forecast to remain below 20 degrees Celsius between now and Friday, with further rainfalls of up to 20 mm predicted.
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