Earlier AMBER THREAT: DAMAGING WIND WARNING for Hunter Region on Wednesday

28 August 2024

This weather warning has now been cancelled, the threat has passed.

IDN21037
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

Severe Weather Warning

for DAMAGING WINDS

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

Issued at 12:52 pm Wednesday, 28 August 2024.

Damaging winds over parts of southeastern and eastern New South Wales today.

Weather Situation: An approaching cold front is currently producing a strong northwesterly pressure gradient across southeastern New South Wales. The front is forecast to move into the state later this morning and track eastward across southern and central parts later this afternoon and evening, with winds turning westerly in its wake.

For PARTS OF THE GREAT DIVIDING RANGE AND FAR WESTERN SYDNEY: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are likely, easing by late evening.

For PARTS OF SOUTHEAST SYDNEY, NEWCASTLE AND PARTS OF THE SOUTH COAST AND CENTRAL COAST: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are likely, easing later this afternoon.

For the ILLAWARRA: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 70 to 80 km/h with peak gusts of around 110 km/h are likely, easing by early evening.

For ALPINE PEAKS above 1900M: DAMAGING WINDS averaging 80 to 90 km/h with peak gusts of around 125 km/h are possible, easing later this afternoon.

Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Gosford, Maitland, Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Batemans Bay, Katoomba, Goulburn, Cooma and Bombala.

Significant wind observations to 12:50 pm AEST Wednesday include:

100 km/h wind gust was recorded at Wollongong at 12:48 pm

94 km/h wind gust was recorded at Kurnell at 12:34 pm

93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Kiama at 12:10 pm

93 km/h wind gust was recorded at Jervis Bay at 11:14 am

91 km/h wind gust was recorded at Cooma Airport at 9:49 am

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.
* 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.

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 pm AEST Wednesday.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.