Weekend Weather: Wind Warning and Snow Blizzard

A VIGOROUS cold front will be crossing the eastern parts of New South Wales today and tomorrow morning, bringing a significant cold snap to the Upper Hunter this weekend.

Strong westerly winds are expected to develop from southern ranges and then extend to the Upper hunter and Barrington Tops during Saturday afternoon.

The severe weather and sheep grazier warnings remains in place, with predicted damaging winds in excess of 60km per hour and peak gusts of 90 km per hour.

The Barrington Tops are expected to receive a quite a bit of snow however, the Bureau of Meteorology said there will be likely blizzard conditions in association with falling snow and strong wind gusts.

Photo provided by the Bureau of Meteorology.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service recommends that back country travel be postponed until conditions improve.

Windy and snowy conditions are likely to remain until Sunday.

For those still planning to visit the Barrington Tops this weekend, please be careful in the risky conditions.

Whilst the road is tarred, it is still recommend that you have a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle and plenty of warm clothes and food in case something goes wrong.

State Emergency Service Advice:

* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid 131 388, Endeavour Energy 131 003, Essential Energy 132 080 or Evoenergy 131 093as shown on your power bill.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.