Global Cooling Bulletin: Snow Hits New South Wales Just One
November 23, 2008
GALE force winds and snow in the NSW central-west are keeping State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers busy, just a week from the start of summer.
Since Friday, SES crews have responded to 18 requests for assistance in the Blayney, Bathurst, Lithgow and Orange areas.
Most of the damage has been caused by falling trees, but local roads are also being monitored after snow falls on Saturday night.
The road between Bathurst and Oberon is currently closed but all other roads are open.
SES Central West Region Controller, Craig Ronan, said the weather conditions are particularly unseasonable.
"It's very unusual the week before summer to have such weather conditions," Mr Ronan said.
"I believe it's supposed to ease this afternoon.
"Let's hope it does ease but obviously our volunteers are ready to help and they're willing to help."
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for NSW, with a deep low pressure system off the south coast expected to bring gale-force winds to most of the state before it moves east late on Sunday.
Blizzard conditions are also anticipated in alpine areas of the Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes and the ACT.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24693398-5001028,00.html
Warmest Regards
Bonzo