As heavy rain and wild winds lash the Illawarra on Sunday night, snowfall has transformed the Southern Highlands into an (early) winter wonderland.
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A severe weather warning remains in place for parts of the Illawarra as an icy blast sends temperatures plummeting.
Winds averaging 60km/h to 70km/h, with peak gusts of around 90 km/h, are possible across the coastline on Sunday evening, the Bureau of Meteorology warned.
Wollongong, Bulli, Port Kembla, Albion Park, Kiama and Huskisson may be impacted.
Meantime, residents of the Southern Highlands have shared photos on social media of snow-covered roads, plants, bins and bicycles in their streets.
Reports of snow and sleet have emerged from Robertson, Berrima, Bowral, Mittagong and Sassafras in the Shoalhaven.
Robertson Rural Fire Brigade urged Highlands motorists to stay safe on the roads.
"The roads are likely to get very slippery and visibility is low," the fire brigade posted on its Facebook page.
"There are also branches already falling from the extra weight so avoid large trees and any fallen powerlines.
"Enjoy the winter wonderland from home if you can. Happy snow day!"
Waves pound the coastline
Significant wave heights of five to six metres are possible, especially on south-facing parts of the coast.
Spring high tides will also occur over this period and may compound wave impacts.
Heavy surf may lead to damage and coastal erosion from Sunday evening to Monday morning between Merimbula and Seal Rocks.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns beach conditions could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.
"A low pressure system has developed off the South Coast and is forecast to deepen today [Sunday]; resulting in storm force winds offshore and vigorous south to southwesterly flow along parts of the coast," the BoM said.
Meanwhile, a cold front has been moving across south-eastern Australia since Friday, has led to cooler than average temperatures for the Illawarra.
On Saturday, a top of 19.7 recorded in Bellambi, 21.5 in Albion Park and 19.4 in Kiama. The median for the month is 19.9, 23.3 and 20.1 respectively.
It remains cooler than average in the Illawarra on Sunday morning, with the mercury sitting at 12.5 degrees in Bellambi at 10.30am, 12.7 in Albion Park and 12.3 in Kiama.
There's a very high chance of showers with up to 20 millimetres of rain possible on Sunday.
For the weekdays ahead, less than 1mm of rain is predicted each day.
Monday is set to reach a top of 17 degrees, and temperatures will warm up to around the April average from Tuesday.
The SES urges people to:
- 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
- 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
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