Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:42 am Saturday, 4 April 2020.

VIGOROUS WESTERLY WINDS FOR EASTERN NSW WITH PASSAGE OF COLD FRONTS.

A strong cold front is crossing the eastern parts of New South Wales today, bringing vigorous westerly winds. These winds will persist on Sunday as a second front crosses the south of the state. Conditions are forecast to settle during Monday as these fronts move away and a ridge of high pressure pushes across the state from the west.

Above 1900 metres, DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 80 to 90 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 120 km/h are expected throughout Saturday and Sunday.

For areas below 1900 metres, DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are forecast about the high country around the Barrington Tops, the Illawarra, parts of the ACT and Monaro Alpine, the eastern parts of Southern Tablelands and Central Tablelands, and the coastal ranges of South Coast. Winds are expected to ease about Barrington Tops during Saturday afternoon, however winds are likely to continue for the remainder of the area through Sunday with the passage of a second front.

Winds are forecast to ease late on Sunday as a ridge of high pressure extends across the state.

Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Braidwood, Katoomba and Goulburn, Thredbo and Perisher Valley.

Thredbo Top Station recorded a 120 km/h wind gust at 5:14am Saturday.

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.