Snow falls over Minamisanriku town, devastated by the March 11, 2011 tsunami, in Miyagi prefecture, northeastern Japan in this February 23, 2012 file photo. To match Special Report JAPAN-LABOR/ REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao/Files (JAPAN - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS E
Snow falls over Minamisanriku town, devastated by the March 11, 2011 tsunami, in Miyagi prefecture, northeastern Japan in this February 23, 2012 file photo. To match Special Report JAPAN-LABOR/ REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao/Files REUTERS/Yuriko Nakao/Files

The Bureau of Meteorology warned residents of Sydney and south-east NSW on Monday to brace for damaging winds and blizzard conditions that could last until Tuesday.

It has issued a Severe Weather Warning for people living in the Metropolitan, Hunter, Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory forecast districts.

BoM said it expects the vigorous frontal system to cross New South Wales on Monday.

"Northwesterly winds will strengthen during the day, with gales about the Alpine peaks extending to higher parts of the Snowy Mountains, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes and ACT during the afternoon."

By Tuesday afternoon, coastal districts from parts of the Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra and South Coast, as well as Central Tablelands are forecast to be affected by land gales.

"This is easily the strongest front of the season," Weatherzone meteorologist Rob Sharpe said. He added the very cold air mass could bring snowfalls down to 1000 metres.

BoM said snow will develop over the Alpine areas in the west of the Snowy Mountains district on Monday afternoon and evening, prompting blizzard conditions. Blizzards will lower to parts of the South West Slopes and higher peaks of the ACT ranges on Tuesday.

Damaging winds around 60 to 80 km/h with peak gusts of 90 to 110 km/h are forecast for the Metropolitan, Illawarra and Southern Tablelands forecast districts, as well as parts of the Hunter, South Coast, South West Slopes, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory forecast districts. Alpine Peaks may experience winds around 90 to 110 km/h with peak gusts around 130 km/h.

Blizzard conditions are forecast for the Snowy Mountains forecast district and parts of the South West Slopes and the Australian Capital Territory ranges.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

  • Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
  • Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
  • Keep clear of fallen power lines.