Issued at 4:01 am EST on Thursday 31 July 2014.

VIGOROUS WINDS OVER SOUTHEAST NSW TODAY

Weather Situation

A ridge of high pressure lies across northern New South Wales, while a series of cold fronts from the Southern Ocean pass across southeast Australia. This pattern is generating strong winds over southern parts of New South Wales, which are expected to intensify today as a particularly strong cold front approaches.

Alpine peaks in the Snowy Mountains forecast district are experiencing winds averaging 60 to 80 km/h with gusts to 120 km/h, are are forecast to increase during the day to 80 to 100 km/h with destructive gusts to 150 km/h.

Remaining parts of the Snowy Mountains forecasts district are forecast to experience winds averaging 60 to 80 km/h today, with destructive gusts to 130 km/h possible, chiefly in the afternoon.

Damaging winds averaging 50 to 70 km/h with gusts to 100 km/h are forecast for the Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and Australian Capital Territory forecast districts today, chiefly in the afternoon. Elevated areas are more likely to be affected.

Wind gusts to 117 km/h were recorded at Thredbo Top Station overnight.

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 clear of fallen power lines.

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.

.