15 July 2021

Severe weather warning issued as wild winds set to batter Canberra

| Dominic Giannini
Start the conversation
BOM radar

A severe weather warning has been issued for the ACT. Photo: BOM.

A severe weather warning for damaging winds has been issued for the ACT and parts of the Southern Tablelands, while the possibility of blizzards has been flagged for the Alpine district.

Winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h are possible from this morning (14 July), with peak gusts expected to exceed 90 km/h. The winds will then extend to south-eastern areas in the Southern Tablelands in the afternoon.

The average wind speed will increase to around 70 to 80 km/h in areas above 1900 metres, with the possibility of gusts over 125 km/h.

Affected areas include Thredbo, Perisher Valley, Charlotte Pass, Captains Flat, Jindabyne, Mount Ginini and Cabramurra.

Winds are expected to ease late Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the damaging winds are a result of a complex low-pressure system over the Southern Ocean that is slowly moving east this week.

Surges of westerly winds on Wednesday will return later in the week and into the weekend due to a series of associated throughs.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has recommended backcountry travel be postponed until conditions improve.

The State Emergency Service (SES) says people should move vehicles undercover and away from trees; secure or pack away loose items around the house, balcony and yard; keep at least 8 metres away from any fallen powerlines or energised fences; and stay vigilant and monitor conditions.

Fallen powerlines should be reported to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.

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

Original Article published by Dominic Giannini on The RiotACT.

Start the conversation

Weekly Wrap

Do you want to keep up with what’s happening in Gungahlin? Every week we package up the best stories in a free newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now and find out what everyone else is talking about.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.