Wind gusts of up to 90km/h are expected to hit Canberra this weekend, with a severe weather warning issued for the ACT.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued the warning for the region on Friday, forecasting strong winds to hit on Friday afternoon. The warning was still current as of 6am Saturday.
Meteorologist at the bureau, Jiwon Park, said conditions were expected to be more severe on Saturday, even bringing with it the chance of snow over ACT ranges.
"In some parts, the winds may reach up to 90km/h in some of the elevated areas," Mr Park said.
"Saturday will see a significant temperature drop, and there will be some snow expected about 1100 metres in some of the higher parts of the ACT and ranges."
The severe weather warning also extends to the Snowy Mountains and south coast, as well as a large section of the NSW coast stretching up until the Hunter Valley.
⚠️ The Severe Weather Warning issued for damaging #winds includes the #ACT. See https://t.co/zzLcFkAxLN for details and updates; follow advice from @ACT_ESA. pic.twitter.com/1kE9v40AZA
— Bureau of Meteorology Australian Capital Territory (@BOM_ACT) September 6, 2019
The strong winds which led to the warning have been driven by a large cold front passing over the area.
A low pressure system associated with the cold front is expected to deepen in Bass Strait on Friday night, before moving eastwards overnight.
Mr Park said the front was expected to pass over the ACT on Friday afternoon.
"It will bring with it quite cool westerly changes," Mr Park said.
"The front will be approaching from the south-western slopes."
Average wind speeds in the capital during the weather system are expected to be between 30 and 40km/h on Friday, before increasing to between 30 and 50km/h on Saturday.
The arrival of the cold front will also lead to a large temperature drop in Canberra.
While maximum temperatures hit 18 degrees on Friday, the mercury is expected to hit 12 degrees on Saturday.
Alpine areas are also expected to receive strong winds, with areas above 1900 metres expected to receive average wind speeds of 80 to 90km/h and gusts of up to 120km/h.
Conditions are expected to ease across the ACT and NSW by Sunday.
Emergency services have warned for residents to move cars away from trees or under cover and to secure loose items around the house and outdoor areas.
