Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds for parts of Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes and Snowy Mountains Forecast Districts. Issued at 4:31 am Saturday, 17 January 2026. Damaging winds occurring over the western slopes of the divide today. Weather Situation A coastal trough located offshore of the Illawarra is directing strong easterly winds aloft over the Great Dividing Range. DAMAGING WINDS for the following areas: Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes and Snowy Mountains DAMAGING EAST TO SOUTHEASTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are occurring on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range this morning, and may continue until later this afternoon. A separate severe weather warning for DAMAGING SURF is current. For all the latest warnings, please check: https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Locations which may be affected include Cabramurra. 65-70 km/h mean winds have been recorded at Cabramurra overnight since 6:30pm, with a peak gust of 98 km/h at 10:15pm. The State Emergency Service advises that people should: * Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains. * 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. * 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. For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500. Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au). The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AEDT Saturday. Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.