Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Illawarra, South Coast, Snowy Mountains and parts of Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Australian Capital Territory, North West Slopes and Plains and Riverina Forecast Districts.

Issued at 11:08 am Wednesday, 4 October 2023.

Damaging winds over southeastern New South Wales. Possible heavy rainfall about higher terrain in the south.

Weather situation: Strong northwesterly winds persist over southern alpine New South Wales 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 this afternoon and evening. Heavy rain is possible in the south around this low as it tracks towards the southeast.
Strengthening westerly winds are expected to develop north of the low across the Great Dividing Range tonight and into Thursday.

ALPINE PEAKS ABOVE 1900 M: DAMAGING WINDS from the northwest averaging around 90 km/h are possible over Alpine areas above 1900 m until early Wednesday afternoon.

SOUTHEAST AND CENTRAL PARTS: DAMAGING WIND GUSTS from the west to northwest with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are expected to develop across central and southern ranges and coastal parts of the Illawarra and South Coast from early Thursday morning. Winds should broadly ease by midday on Thursday, though they could persist into early afternoon for the far southeast of the State.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the Southwest Slopes, ACT, Snowy Mountains and South Coast districts during Wednesday evening as the low pressure system consolidates. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 80 mm are possible, with 24-hourly rainfall totals of 80 to 100 mm possible.

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

Locations which may be affected include Nowra, Eden, Bega, Katoomba, Cooma, Albury and Hay.

Significant wind observations in the 24 hours to 11:00 AM AEDT Wednesday include:

126 km/h recorded at Thredbo

93 km/h at Mt Ginini

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.