Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Illawarra and parts of Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains Forecast Districts.

Issued at 3:23 pm Friday, 15 October 2021.

VIGOROUS WINDS ACROSS THE RANGES AND PARTS OF THE COASTLINE OVERNIGHT

Weather Situation: A complex low pressure system over southeast Australia extends several troughs which will track east across the south of the state overnight. This weather pattern will result in vigorous west to northwesterly winds.

DAMAGING WINDS, averaging around 50 to 60 km/h with gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible overnight into tomorrow morning. Higher terrain within the warning area is most at risk.

Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Cessnock, Maitland, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Batemans Bay, Katoomba and Goulburn.

The State Emergency Service 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 8 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.