Sydney weather warning as southerly heads for coast
A gusty southerly change is set to bring a sudden temperature drop and strong, potentially damaging winds to Sydney and surrounding coastal regions on Wednesday evening.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds for coastal areas stretching from the Hunter to the Shoalhaven, as a cold front moving across the state brings a "vigorous" southerly change along the coast late in the afternoon and evening.
A southerly change is expected to bring strong winds to the NSW coast.Credit:Renee Nowytarger
Winds are expected to reach 55-65km/h with gusts of up to 90km/h along the coastal fringe. The strongest winds will be at the head of the change.
Bureau meteorologist Helen Kirkup said the change was likely to reach southern Sydney by about 7pm and the northern suburbs by 9pm.
While some showers and storms might bring patchy, isolated rainfall, Ms Kirkup said strong wind and a temperature drop of about 10 degrees would be the main features.
"It could come through quite fast and blow all the umbrellas off the beach," she said. "If people go out dressed for 5pm temperatures, they might get cold."
Ahead of the change, the bureau is also keeping an eye on potential thunderstorm activity throughout the afternoon, which carries the potential for strong wind gusts and isolated, fast-moving showers.
"We’ve got no warnings out for [thunderstorms] at the moment, but there’s potential for some of them to see some gustier winds," Ms Kirkup said.
Residents around Sydney, Wollongong, The Entrance, Bulli, Port Kembla, Kiama and Huskisson are advised to move vehicles under cover or away from trees, secure loose items, stay away from fallen power lines and remain vigilant in anticipation of the severe weather.