26/05:33 EDT Severe Weather Warning for parts of Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:33 am Monday, 26 October 2020.

Weather Situation: The combination of a strong high pressure system near Tasmania and a low pressure system off the New South Wales coast is driving vigorous easterly winds across southern New South Wales.

DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible for elevated parts of the Snowy Mountains, South West Slopes, Southern Tablelands and Australian Capital Territory this morning. Locations on the western side of the Alps are most susceptible.

Winds are expected to gradually ease below severe thresholds during the day.

Locations which may be affected include Cabramurra, Thredbo and Selwyn.

Cabramurra recorded mean wind speeds around 65 km/h and a maximum wind gust of 100 km/h between 3-5am Monday.

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 11:00 am AEDT Monday.

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.