Vigorous westerly winds are persisting across the Illawarra in the wake of a cold front that crossed the state on Friday.
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According to the Bureau of Meteorology, highest wind gusts so far on Saturday include 100 km/hr at Bellambi and 98 km/hr at Albion Park.
Damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 km/hr with gusts in excess of 90 km/h, are expected on Saturday afternoon for the Illawarra and parts of the Southern and Central Tablelands.
Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Katoomba, Goulburn and Nerriga.
The BOM says conditions are expected to gradually ease later this afternoon or evening.
State Emergency Service duty officer Neil Wiblin said since lunchtime on Friday, they'd had 47 jobs across the Illawarra and South Coast.
He said the majority of these were related to trees and branches down due to the winds, with some roof damage.
In the meantime, the SES 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 eight 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..
*For emergency help, call your local SES Unit on 132 500.
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