Parts of New South Wales have experienced their heaviest snow in years – and its come in mid-October – as the state shivers through a severe cold change.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for Sydney and the NSW coast up to the Hunter region today, with predictions of dangerous winds, flash flooding and huge waves that are set to worsen throughout Friday.
Snow has been reported between the Blue Mountains and Canberra, with the nation’s capital enduring its coldest October day in more than 40 years yesterday, staying below nine degrees all day.
Glen Innes had its heaviest snow in five years, while Guyra had unusually heavy snow that would normally only occur once every 20 years, according to Weatherzone meteorologist Brett Dutschke.
Snow has been falling in Orange and has been heavy in Oberon, Crookwell and Bowral. As much as 20 centimetres has reportedly settled on the ground in the Crookwell area.
“We do get this late season snow but it doesn’t happen very often,” BoM meteorologist Julie Evans said.
“The last time was in 2008 when we saw snow in the Snowy Mountains and central tablelands in November.”
The pool of cold, dry air responsible for these snowfalls is moving away to the east, causing snow to turn to rain on the Southern Tablelands and predicted to do the same in the Blue Mountains by lunchtime.
Meanwhile, more than 200mm of rain has fallen at Ulladulla, on the south coast, since yesterday morning, the heaviest rainfall in the town in 20 years.
The Transport Management Centre said snow, ice and heavy rain were affecting many roads in NSW and motorists are advised to plan ahead by checking the Live Traffic website.
Wild Sydney weather predicted
Mr Dutschke said the main feature of the low pressure system over the coast was strong winds.
The wind will become noticeably stronger after about 10am in Sydney and will be at its strongest at lunchtime, Mr Dutschke said.
“It will be windiest on the coast, that’s where the biggest risk of getting damaging winds are.
“The winds are a chance of reaching 100km/h on the coast, so certainly strong enough to bring down trees, power lines and unroof buildings.
“So it’ll be fairly dangerous near the coast during the afternoon.”
Heavy rain is also expected about the same time, particularly in Sydney’s southern and eastern suburbs.
“There will be a couple of hours of heavy rain,” Mr Dutschke said.
“So there is the risk of flash flooding during this time. The biggest risk of flash flooding is in the southern and eastern suburbs, but only brief and probably only minor flash flooding.
Wave height could also reach as high as eight feet, he said.
“If you’re on the coast, a low lying area, you might get a bit of flooding from sea water inundating with the larger waves, but that would probably only be a brief feature.”
Sydney Ferries between Manly and Circular Quay were cancelled after 8am and replacement buses are running.
BoM reported other severe weather events in the state, including eight metre waves at Batemans Bay overnight and gale force winds on the south coast.
The NSW State Emergency Service advises people to move their cars away from trees, secure loose items around the yard and to avoid driving, walking and riding through flood waters.
Ausgrid urges people to stay clear of fallen powerlines.
“Powerlines carry live electricity 24 hours a day,” an Ausgrid statement said.
“It is extremely dangerous to touch or go near fallen wires, no matter what the circumstances.”
GREEK WORLD MEDIA 