The NSW SES is urging residents across the Hunter Valley, including Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock and Scone, to monitor conditions as damaging winds move through the region today.
The Bureau of Meteorology says north to northwesterly winds strengthened on Sunday ahead of a cold front crossing NSW, with vigorous west to northwesterly winds following on Monday as a low pressure system moves into Bass Strait. The conditions are extending gusty winds broadly over the Great Dividing Range, the Hunter Valley and elevated terrain across eastern NSW.
For the Hunter Valley, including Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock and Scone, damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 kilometres an hour, with peak gusts of around 90 kilometres an hour, are likely during Monday afternoon, easing later in the evening. Areas along the Great Dividing Range broadly are also at risk of similar conditions, becoming more likely through the afternoon before gradually easing from early Tuesday.
The warning follows some significant wind gusts recorded across the state over the weekend, including 130 kilometres an hour at Thredbo on Sunday afternoon, and a further gust of 102 kilometres an hour at Thredbo early Monday morning. A gust of 94 kilometres an hour was also recorded at Narrabri Airport overnight.
The SES says the situation may change quickly and will monitor conditions, updating warnings as required.
