Albion Park traffic affected by burst water main and severe weather

As of 9:45am on Tuesday there were still 79 Dapto residents without power, 42 as Sussex Inlet and 6 at Mittagong.

9am: A burst water main at Albion Park on the Illawarra Highway is still affecting traffic in both directions.

Overnight and this morning the State Emergency Service has responded to about 69 jobs across the Illawarra and the South Eastern Zone.

NSW SES South Eastern Zone Acting Zone Commander Allan Budziarski said the majority of calls were on the coast from Wollongong down to Batemans Bay and around the Goulburn area. The bulk were for trees down, roof and water damage.

Endeavour Energy is currently working to restore power to properties in Jamberoo, Jerrara, Kiama and Saddleback Mountain.

There are also power outages at Alpine, Hill Top and Mittagong.

Earlier: A burst water main is affecting traffic in both directions on the Illawarra Highway (near church street) at Albion Park on Tuesday morning.

The RMS advises motorists to reduce speed and exercise caution.

Meantime the Illawarra is getting a heavy drenching of rain, with the wild weather prompting a severe weather warning from the Bureau of Meteorology.

An intense Tasman low and associated cold front will produce a strong and gusty winds along parts of the NSW coast on Tuesday. These winds will whip up heavy surf conditions, making coastal activities dangerous, and bringing the potential for coastal erosion, according to the Bureau.

Read More: Surfers hit the waves as Illawarra coast battered with big swell

Winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with gusts in excess of 90 km/h are currently impacting the South Coast.

There has also been snow and ice causing havoc on the Hume Highway between Mittagong and Goulburn.

Police have urged road users to stay safe as unpredictable weather conditions mean an increased risk of motorists being involved in accidents.

"It hasn't rained for some time so the roads will be covered in grime which will become slippery to drivers as well as bicyclists and pedestrians," said Traffic and Highway Patrol Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy.

"Visibility is important - that means headlights on and if you are on foot or a bike of any kind - this is the week for your brightest coat and/or umbrella..

He also warned drivers not to drive through flood waters as it puts their lives at risk as well as those of emergency service workers.

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Areas most affected by the damaging winds will be the coastal fringes and the higher parts of the ranges. Winds then are expected to gradually ease from the south during this afternoon.

Wave heights in excess of five metres in the surf zone, may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion, south facing beaches will be the most affected. People should stay away from the surf and exposed areas.

For the latest on road conditions, please check www.livetraffic.com