THE Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for a southerly buster to hit the NSW coast on Wednesday afternoon and evening.
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Damaging winds with gusts of up to 90kph are forecast to affect a coastal strip extending from around Morisset south to Jervis Bay.
The BoM said a cold front moving across southern and central NSW on Wednesday was likely to cause a "vigorous southerly change" with average wind speeds of 55kph to 65kph.
"Exposed areas are most susceptible. The strongest winds are expected on the head of the change," the BoM said.
"Winds are expected to slowly ease for each location a few hours following the arrival of the southerly change."
Forecasters said the strong gusty change was expected to hit Sydney around 9pm, and further north along the Hunter coast between 10pm and 11pm.
Conditions were expected to remain warm until the change - just above 30 degrees in Newcastle around 1pm - but could drop to around 18 degrees as initial gusty winds abate.
Forecasters said there was little rainfall connected with the southerly, but there was a chance of thunderstorms ahead of the change during the afternoon.
The State Emergency Service is advising people to take precautions, including:
- moving vehicles under cover or away from trees;
- securing or putting away loose items around your house, yard and balcony; and
- keeping at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
The SES warns that trees damaged by fire were 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 (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
For emergency help in floods and storms, phone your local SES Unit on 132 500.
