Icy blast on its way

Southern states urged to batten down as wild, cold weather hits

VICTORIANS are being urged to batten down the hatches as heavy rain and destructive winds lash the state.

A severe weather warning was issued for today for most of the state as a southern cold front is expected to intensify, the Bureau of Meteorology said.

Damaging winds of up to 60-70 km/h with possible gusts of 90-100 km/h are forecast, as well as rainfall of 50-100mm.

The Gippsland Ranges, in the state’s east, could see up to 150mm by tomorrow.

“There is a risk of flash flooding with that rain. We could see, depending on just how much rainfall, some minor riverine flooding develop,” bureau severe weather manager Steven McGibbony said yesterday.

“With the rainfall and these strong winds, it’s going to feel very wintry and very cold. It’s now time to prepare your home, to make sure that the heavy rainfall doesn’t end up inside your home,” SES boss Tim Wiebusch said.

He suggested cleaning gutters, securing loose items and moving cars under cover or away from trees.

The cold front hit Victoria Wednesday night, with temperatures plunging and snow falling. Falls Creek, Mount Hotham, Mount Buller and Mount Baw Baw all received considerable snow. Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort spokesman John Fascio said it was likely to receive a further 30cm by today.

“With the official snow season launch only a few weeks away, if this weather continues we’ll be in for one of our best snow seasons yet,” he said.

Melbourne is expected to reach a top of 14C and have a chilly low of 7C, in what will be the coldest run of weather since September.

Sydney is expected to be hit with two icy blasts – the first by this afternoon, with a second trough from the low moving in on Sunday when icy winds are forecast to reach 90km/h.

Usually warm Queensland will also feel the cold when temperatures in Brisbane drop by about 7C this weekend.