Polar storm lashes NSW with final burst of extreme weather
NSW wild weather continues to disrupt daily life, as the last wave of a brutal polar system slams the state and the ACT. This final blast brought damaging winds, freezing air, and dangerous conditions, leaving a child injured and causing widespread destruction.
Wind speeds peaked at 111km/h near Bellambi, creating chaos across the South Coast and other regions. According to meteorologist Angus Hines from the Bureau of Meteorology, “A cold front is crossing southeastern Australia and it’s got one last sting in the tail in the form of some very strong winds, particularly across NSW.”
Coastal winds, snow dumps and emergency responses stretch across the state
Regions impacted include the Snowy Mountains, Canberra’s highlands, the Tablelands, and coastal areas from Illawarra to Newcastle. Sydney’s southern suburbs were also battered, with the worst of it expected to settle by midday Friday.
The winds uprooted trees and damaged buildings. Since 1pm Thursday, the NSW State Emergency Service responded to over 300 incidents. In a tragic turn, a 10-year-old boy was hospitalized after a tree collapsed at Oatley Public School in Sydney’s south.
Meanwhile, Adelaide experienced its wettest day since January as the system passed. Heavy snowfall blanketed popular alpine resorts, including Falls Creek and Perisher. The Victorian resort recorded 22cm of fresh snow in 24 hours, pushing snow depth to 80cm. “This storm is really delivering,” read a post on Falls Creek’s website. “It is still coming down thick and fast.”
Authorities advise caution as final gusts pass through major cities
With winds exceeding 100km/h in many places, the SES urged residents to stay alert. Recommendations included securing loose items, parking vehicles away from trees, and monitoring local weather updates. Bellambi’s staggering gust of 111km/h highlights the storm’s severity.
Perisher resort joined in celebrating the snowfall. “July has officially flipped the switch, and Perisher is set to turn into one giant pow party,” the resort declared. “If there was ever a time to bail on the city and head for the hills, it’s now.”
Though Friday is expected to bring calmer conditions, officials warn of lingering risks. The extreme weather serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter in southeastern Australia.
