Wild and destructive winds are hitting the Illawarra, with gusts of up to 90km/h possible.
A strong wind warning is in place for Illawarra's coastline, and a damaging wind warning for western parts of the region for Friday, September 8, with SES crews on standby.
Earlier on Friday morning gusts up to 76km/h were recorded in Bellambi, with 57km/h winds in Kiama and 48km/h in Albion park; the winds have since eased.
"The risk of damaging wind gusts will continue today along the southern ranges and alpine areas, due to a strong westerly airstream on the northern flank of a deep low pressure system moving eastwards across Bass Strait," the Bureau of Meteorology warns.
"Winds will ease as this system moves into the southern Tasman Sea overnight."
Other locations which may be affected include Braidwood, Goulburn, Bombala, Adaminaby, Nimmitabel, Khancoban and Thredbo Top Station.
The strong winds and overnight rain have postponed a planned 2692 hectare hazard reduction burn that was to take place in bushland at Holsworthy Military Barracks, off Heathcote Road, from Friday to Sunday.
Around 40 fire trucks, including from outside the Illawarra, had been organised to conduct the burn, NSW Rural Fire Service Illawarra district coordinator David Hitchens said.
"It's frustrating, a lot of planning goes into these," he said.
"We'll reassess later today to possibly light up in the morning."
Earlier this week, Illawarra's SES crews urged people to prepare themselves and their property for storm season which runs from October to March.
Wollongong unit deputy commander Andrew Short said many emergency situations can be prevented with a little planning.
Tips to stay safe during storms
- 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. For life-threatening emergencies call triple-0.
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Nadine Morton
Breaking news journalist at the Illawarra Mercury. Email: nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Breaking news journalist at the Illawarra Mercury. Email: nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
