Powerful cold front to bring damaging winds, snow and showers to south-east Australia
30/05/2022
Issued: 1:30PM Monday 30 May 2022
Much of southern and eastern Australia is currently being impacted by a strong cold front and associated low pressure system.
The main impacts will be strong to damaging winds, low-level snow, below-average temperatures, and showers.
Residents of south-east South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and eastern New South Wales and parts of southern Queensland will be impacted by this system.
Damaging winds
Severe Weather Warnings for damaging winds (winds greater than 90km/hr) currently stretch across SA, much of NSW, southern QLD and northern Victoria. This includes Sydney and Canberra.
These areas have also recently seen significant rainfall meaning winds over sodden catchments may see fallen trees, powerlines and impacts to caravans and motorhomes.
There will likely be damage to property and weakened trees, with possible flash flooding due to blocked drains.
These damaging winds will continue into Tuesday and are likely to ease late Wednesday.
Showers and Snow
Significant snow and rain with possible severe thunderstorms and hail is also expected as the cold front moves across the country. Mostly impacting western and central NSW, and western Vic and Melbourne.
With saturated soil and full catchments, river rises are possible.
Snow will fall to around 1100-1200m across Vic and NSW on Monday, however the coldest air will move over the region on Tuesday.
Snow levels are expected to rapidly drop on Tuesday to 600-700m for Vic, Tas, and southeast NSW, and above 800m for the Central Tablelands (NSW).
Significant snow accumulations on Alpine peaks of 20-50cm are likely with blizzard conditions.
Snow may fall outside of Alpine regions in the Grampians/Dandenong/Yarra Ranges of Vic and the Central Tablelands of NSW.
Snow in low-levels (600-800m) and windy conditions on Tuesday will create particularly hazardous driving conditions, with inland highways likely to be impacted by sleet.
Temperatures
Temperatures will drop significantly in the wake of the front.
Maximum temperatures will plunge 3-6°C below average (for May) as far inland as southern Qld and southern NT.
Strong winds will make the temperature feel much colder during the day.
Tides and surf
Large swells will impact most of the southern Australian mainland coast particularly in South Australia and western Victoria due to the front.
Parts of the coast could see tides near or above High Astronomical Tide (the highest level which can be predicted to occur under average meteorological conditions).
The Bureau is recommending communities stay up to date with the latest Bureau warnings through the Bureau's website and BOM Weather app and follow the advice of emergency services.
ENDS
