Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Snowy Mountains and parts of South Coast, South West Slopes, Riverina, Australian Capital Territory and Southern Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:42 am Tuesday, 3 October 2023.

Damaging winds over southeastern New South Wales during today. Heavy rainfall developing over the Riverina this evening.

Northwesterly winds will increase over southern New South Wales during this morning ahead of an approaching cold front and upper trough. This system is expected to develop into a low pressure system over southern parts of the State during Wednesday, and should bring broader areas of severe weather to the southeast during Wednesday and Thursday.

DAMAGING WINDS averaging 80 to 90 km/h with peak gusts up to 130 km/h are likely over Alpine areas above 1900 m.

Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of 90 to 100 km/h are likely more broadly across the Snowy Mountains, South Coast and southern ACT. The strongest winds should contract back to the Alpine areas by Tuesday night.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the Riverina from this evening. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 60 mm are possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals of 90 to 100 mm are possible.

Flood watches are current for south eastern catchments. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Perisher Valley, Charlotte Pass and Thredbo Top Station.

Significant wind observations to 09:00 AM AEDT Tuesday include:

135 km/h recorded at Thredbo

114 km/hr recorded at Perisher Valley

90 km/hr recorded at Bombala

The State Emergency Service advises that 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.
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
* 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.