Hunter residents awoke to an unnerving surprise on Thursday morning, with high-speed winds wreaking havoc across the region.
Despite the sunny weather and cool temperature, gusts of up to 90 km/h are expected to billow through Newcastle and surrounding suburbs as the day goes on.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), the high speeds have been caused by a cold front which moved its way through South Australia on Wednesday 9 July, right through to the south-eastern coastline.
The Hunter and Illawarra are affected by the damaging winds, as well as regions in Victoria and northern parts of Tasmania.
The BoM has also issued a severe weather warning for the larger part of eastern NSW beginning in Newcastle and extending down to the Snowy Mountains.
Meteorologist Dean Narramore said Hunter residents should remain wary of going outside today [on Thursday] and stay updated on the latest forecast.
“That wind’s strong enough to bring down trees and power lines, cause possible power outages and minor property damages,” he explained.
“So, please make sure you’re weather-aware if you’re travelling out and about.”
A blizzard warning has been issued, too, for the southern alpine areas of NSW, as falling snow combines with the very windy conditions.
The snow levels are said to drop as low as 900 metres on Thursday and Friday across Tasmania, eastern Victoria, and the southern and central ranges of NSW.
But, the strong winds shouldn’t last too long, as the forecast predicts speeds will drop in the night and into Friday morning.
For more news stories:
- New chargers expand Newcastle’s EV network
- NSW EPA to investigate ‘big stink’ in Kurri
- Hunter Indoor Sports Centre celebrates planning milestone
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