Millions of Australians are bracing for wild weather as the ski season kicks off this long weekend, with blizzards, damaging winds, and 'abnormally high' tides forecast across multiple states.
Weather Warning Issued
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that a complex low-pressure system could unleash dangerous wind gusts of up to 90km/h, roaring across the Victorian Alps, southern Victoria, and central NSW throughout Thursday evening.
Senior meteorologist Jonathan How said the powerful system could whip up blizzard conditions across the Snowy Mountains and Victorian high country. 'We could see those damaging winds redevelop on Thursday night and into Friday, including for the Illawarra and also the Northern Ranges,' he said.
Relief on the Horizon
However, there is relief on the horizon, with conditions expected to ease ahead of the King's Birthday long weekend, just in time for the official start of the ski season. Forecasters say resorts could score fresh snowfall of between 5cm and 25cm after early falls already blanketed alpine areas.
'Snow has fallen across alpine areas and ski resorts in Victoria and New South Wales yesterday and overnight, with some moderate to locally heavy falls in time for the official opening this weekend,' Mr How said. 'More snow is forecast today, falling to about 1,200 metres above sea level.'
'Strong winds are also likely, with possibly damaging gusts for the Snowy Mountains where peak winds of up to 90km/h are possible. Blizzard conditions are also possible above 1,400 metres.'
Coastal Hazards
Along the Victorian coastline, gusty winds and high tides are combining to produce 'abnormally high' sea levels, raising the risk of coastal inundation in low-lying areas on Thursday afternoon and evening. The Bureau has issued a coastal hazard warning for areas east of Cape Otway, including Port Phillip Bay and Western Port.
Sea levels were already elevated along the Victorian coastline around Wednesday's high tide, with water spilling across boardwalks, low-lying roads, and car parks in Frankston, Mornington, Patterson River, and Fishermans Bend. With strong south-westerly winds persisting today, the risk of minor coastal flooding remains, particularly across northern parts of the bay closer to the city.
High tide near Melbourne is expected at around 6.30pm on Thursday.
