Potentially dangerous winds could wreak havoc across parts of the country over the weekend, with severe weather warnings in place in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued widespread warnings as a powerful cold front, which began on Friday night, moves through South Australia into the south and south-eastern states.
“Cold fronts are not all created equal, some of them tend to bring more rain or snow, but this one’s bringing a strong punch in the wind,” BoM meteorologist Angus Hines said.
“Anywhere within those broad warning areas that stretch from South Australia to New South Wales, including much of Victoria and parts of Tasmania, could see very strong winds, potentially over 90 or even 100 kilometres an hour.”
Gale-force winds are on the cards and parts of the country have already been hit with winds of 100km, Hines said.
“We’ve had 115 km/h gusts at Hogan Island, off the south coast of Victoria,” he said.
Cape Grim has recorded 109 km/h, while 104 km/h has been recorded at Mount Read in Tasmania.
In NSW, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Batemans Bay, Katoomba and Cooma are all at risk of having damaging winds, with potential gusts up to 100 km/h.
Marine authorities on Friday warned the forecast conditions won’t be suitable for boating in the southern parts of NSW.
The Snowy Mountains could also see blizzard conditions above 1,300m and winds between 60 to 70km/h.
In Victoria, Melbourne is expected to be hit hard, with winds already reaching 70km/h and expected to pick up this afternoon, Hines said.
The Victoria State Emergency is urging people across the state to monitor warnings and be vigilant, as it prepares to respond to calls for assistance.
Damaging winds are also expected in Horsham, Warrnambool, Maryborough, Ballarat and Geelong.
In northern Tasmania, events have been cancelled because of the severe winds, including sports and markets.
Hines said people should keep check of updates on the BoM website and be cautious as the regions with warnings are extensive.
“Just like any windy day, keep your wits about you as you’re outdoors because there will be likely be some reports of damage, there could be branches down and possible power outages.”
