Severe Weather Warning: Damaging Winds Forecast for Snowy Mountains Alpine Areas

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning (IDN21037) for damaging winds. This is a top-priority broadcast for residents and visitors in the Snowy Mountains Forecast District of New South Wales.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically targets alpine areas within the Snowy Mountains district. Locations expected to be impacted include:

• Thredbo
• Perisher Valley
• Charlotte Pass

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents in the warning area to take the following precautions:

• Park vehicles under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines, and drains.
• Secure or put away loose items around houses, yards, and balconies.
• Maintain a distance of at least 8 metres from fallen power lines or potentially energised objects, such as fences.
• Report fallen power lines to your local provider (Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy, Essential Energy, or Evoenergy).
• For emergency assistance during storms, contact the SES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

Northwesterly winds are forecast to strengthen ahead of an approaching cold front. Damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h are expected, with peak gusts reaching between 90 and 100 km/h. For areas situated above 1,900 metres, average wind speeds may reach approximately 80 km/h.

Timeline

The hazardous conditions are expected to develop around sunrise on Wednesday morning, March 11, 2026. Winds are forecast to ease by Wednesday night. The next update from the Bureau of Meteorology is scheduled for 5:00 pm AEDT on Tuesday.