On Thursday, severe weather warnings were issued across multiple regions of New South Wales as damaging winds, gusting over 100 km/h, swept across the coastline and inland areas. This dangerous weather is expected to continue into the evening, with the potential to cause significant disruptions, including power outages, fallen tree branches, and hazardous driving conditions. Authorities are urging residents to take immediate precautions to ensure their safety.
Meteorologists predict that the intensity of these gale-force winds will not subside soon. As a cold front moves eastwards out to sea, these conditions are set to impact several districts, including Sydney and surrounding areas, as well as regions further inland like the Snowy Mountains and parts of the Central Tablelands.
Damaging Winds Reaching Gusts Over 100 km/h
The winds have already caused significant disruption in New South Wales. Maximum wind gusts reached 111 km/h in Bellambi, 91 km/h in Newcastle, and 83 km/h in Sydney, with other areas like Goulburn and Thredbo also experiencing high wind speeds. According to Sky News Weather Meteorologist Alison Osborne, the winds will continue to build through the evening, affecting both coastal and inland regions.
The severity of these winds has prompted a severe weather warning from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), which has highlighted the risk of fallen branches and power lines. Osborne emphasized that the winds could create “dangerous driving conditions,” advising caution on the roads, especially for motorists in affected areas.
Affected Areas and Potential Risks
The most significant areas affected by the severe weather include the Illawarra, Hunter, Metropolitan Sydney, South Coast, and parts of the Central and Southern Tablelands. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for wind gusts up to 90 km/h in Sydney and surrounding regions, while gusts over 100 km/h are anticipated in higher-altitude areas like the Snowy Mountains.
The conditions could be particularly hazardous for drivers, with gusty winds expected to cause difficulty in maintaining control of vehicles, especially for those on elevated roads or near trees. In addition to the driving hazards, fallen branches and debris may disrupt traffic, making it essential for motorists to exercise extreme caution.
Emergency Precautions and Safety Advice
In response to the severe weather, the State Emergency Service (SES) has advised residents to take immediate action to protect themselves and their property. Key safety tips include securing outdoor items such as furniture and loose objects, moving vehicles under cover or away from trees, and staying at least eight meters away from fallen power lines or other energized objects.
The SES has also stressed the importance of staying informed through official weather updates, as the situation continues to evolve. With the winds expected to remain strong throughout the evening, those in the affected areas should be prepared for ongoing disruptions.
Weather Conditions Likely to Persist into the Night
The severe weather conditions are not expected to ease until later in the evening, as the cold front continues to move out to sea. The BOM has warned that the winds will remain strong across the Illawarra, South Coast, and the Snowy Mountains, with damaging gusts likely to persist through the night.
These dangerous conditions are part of a broader weather system affecting large portions of New South Wales, highlighting the importance of preparedness as the storm progresses. As winds exceed 100 km/h in some areas, residents are urged to remain vigilant and take steps to safeguard themselves and their property from the impacts of the storm.
