Blue Mountains, Lithgow and surrounds snow - Prepare now
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NSW State Emergency Service
Advice
Prepare now
The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) to PREPARE NOW for severe thunderstorms producing blizzard conditions:
- Lithgow
- Blackheath
- Medlow Bath
- Katoomba
- Megalong Valley
- Leura
- Wentworth Falls
- Hazelbrook
- Springwood
What are we expecting?
The Bureau of Meteorology advises severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rain, damaging winds and blizzard conditions in the warning area over the
next several hours.
Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following impacts may occur:
- Road closures caused by snow drifts
- The Great Western Highway may be cut off by Santa’s sleigh
What you need to do:
- Monitor warnings issued by NSW SES on our website and Facebook page and check the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.
- Prepare your house. Check roof gutters are clear and that you have sufficient food and heating supplies to last a number of days.
- Prepare an emergency kit in case you lose power or need to leave your home.
- Move livestock and companion animals to safe shelter.
- Avoid unnecessary travel. If you do need to travel, plan to avoid potentially snow affected roads and consider different ways to get to where you need to go.
- Ensure you have safe alternate cooking, heating and water supply options in case the power supply is disrupted. Some equipment such as gas and charcoal barbeques and heaters release carbon monoxide and should only be used in well-ventilated areas or outside.
- Exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia, wear suitable waterproof protective clothing when outdoors.
- Secure or put away items that could blow around in strong winds.
- Where possible park your vehicle under cover to ensure it is not blocked in by snow if you do need to travel.
- Consider the consequences of road conditions and closures and make alternate arrangements for work, children, and travel.
- Do not go sightseeing as this may put yourself and others at risk.
- Beware the dangers of black ice when driving or walking on hard surfaces. Reduce your speed and exercise caution.
- If you become stranded when driving, keep your engine running, put your hazard lights on and remain with the vehicle after calling for help.
- Ensure snow chains are carried when driving in snow conditions.
For more information:
- Listen to your local ABC radio station which can be found at reception.abc.net.au
- Download the Hazards Near Me app and set your watch zones to get warning information for your areas.
- Follow us on social media @NSWSES or visit our website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
- Learn about your risk at www.ses.nsw.gov.au/knowyourrisk
- Check latest weather and warnings at www.bom.gov.au/nsw
- Check road closures at www.livetraffic.com.au or 132 701 or your local Council.
For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Media enquiries: [email protected] or call 1800 067 234