NSW weather: State shivers through snowfalls as winter finally strikes
AS snow blankets parts of NSW, Sydneysiders are being warned to brace for impact as a cold and wild weekend descends on the city, with high-speed winds already plunging thousands of homes into darkness across the state.
NSW
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AS snow blankets parts of NSW, Sydneysiders are being warned to brace for impact as a cold and wild weekend descends on the city, with high-speed winds already plunging thousands of homes into darkness across the state.
A complex low-pressure system has brought cold weather and wild winds, with snow falling in the Central Tablelands.
Snow and icy conditions saw a car come off the road near Orange, with paramedics working to free two adults and a child from the vehicle.
Overnight, winter officially hit NSW, plunging temperatures, winds and hazardous surf conditions.
The temperature in the city plunged to 10C, Penrith 9C and Campbelltown just 3.5C with temperatures set to fall further at the weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology said Sydney can expect a minimum of 12C tomorrow and just 13 on Sunday.
Authorities put out a warning for sheep graziers this morning, saying cold temperatures, rain and showers and strong south-westerly winds are expected to hit the Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains from tomorrow.
“There is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions,” the warning said.
Heavy showers are expected to soak Sydney in the morning and afternoon and wild winds of 25-40km/h are set to batter the coastline tomorrow.
A complex low-pressure system to the south is behind those gusty southerly winds, which will start hitting Sydney from this evening.
Cold and wild conditions have already blacked out a portion of the NSW Hunter Valley after a large tree came down in the wind and knocked down powerlines.
Make sure your home is ready for potential strong winds gusts. Damaging gusts are forecast for parts of our network including Upper Hunter today. See @BOM_NSW for latest warnings. If you spot a fallen powerline or hazard on our network report it at https://t.co/XhTdb9SX5B pic.twitter.com/Kp8R8ufDZP
— Ausgrid (@Ausgrid) May 11, 2018
Energy provider Ausgrid said about 1700 homes and businesses had lost power in Raymond Terrace, in the NSW Hunter, while a further 1300 properties are without power in nearby Medowie.
Repair crews are working to restore power.
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“When we see damaging winds like this they can lead to disruptions across the network as they can cause powerlines to snap or branches and trees to fall on overhead wires,” Ausgrid chief operating officer Trevor Armstrong
“A quarter of all outages in our network are caused by trees contacting powerlines but we work to restore power safely and as quickly as possible,” he said.
Ausgrid is also asking customers to take some simple precautions at home.
“It’s a good idea to take a few minutes and put away any loose outdoor items like tools, play equipment and garden furniture before the strongest winds arrive.
“Securing those items means they won’t blow away during strong winds and damage powerlines or property.
“It’s important to stay well clear or any storm debris or damaged trees as they can hide fallen wires.
“If you spot fallen powerlines always assume they are live, do not go near them, stay safely back and report them to us so we can make them safe.”
Snowy conditions cause danger
The temperature in the Kosciuszko National Park dropped to -3C yesterday afternoon, with the snow-making team kicking off for the season.
“The entire community is super-excited about the early snowfall one month out from the opening of the season,” Perisher team staffer Joss McAlpin said
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Roads into Oberon town remain open with staff out and about this morning inspecting the Gingkin, Black Springs and Shooters Hills roads, with a further update to follow.
#NSWWeather #WinterIsComing and it's all happening in Southern and Eastern NSW, Winds, Hazardous Surf, Cold Temperatures and yes Snow. Forecasts at https://t.co/9bj3Jd2TrS pic.twitter.com/1J8seNNRIJ
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) May 10, 2018
Motorists are advised that many of the smaller roads may not have been inspected.
Motorists are advised to use extreme caution in particular being mindful of black ice and to drive to the conditions they encounter.
A complex low pressure system near Tasmania is deepening in response to a cold front crossing the region. This low is expected to slowly move east resulting in vigorous winds across southeastern and elevated parts of the state today and over the weekend.
Hazardous surf conditions are expected to develop over Eden, Batemans and Illawarra coasts and then extend to Sydney, Hunter, Macquarie and Coffs coasts during Saturday.
A light dusting of snow covered the Central Tablelands overnight, with higher mountain peaks receiving a few centimetres, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
“We are expecting the snow to be done with by this afternoon and anything on the ground is likely to melt away,” BOM spokeswoman Anita Titmarsh told AAP today.
Thredbo Resort spokesman Suzie Diver said yesterday night’s snowfall is a good base ahead of the ski and snowboarding season when it opens on June 9.
“It is always nice to see a bit of snow falling in the village and colder temperatures this time of year,” Ms Diver told AAP.