THE predictions were right with Lithgow and surrounds waking up to snow falls on Thursday morning.
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Unfortunately with snow blanketing the region there is a higher risk on our roads.
Live Traffic is still reporting alpine conditions at Mount Lambie to Yetholme and Mount Lambie to Leura on the Great Western Highway. Traffic is affected in both directions.
Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel in the area due to snow and ice affecting a number of roads. Motorists needing to travel should exercise extreme caution, reduce speed and be prepared for conditions to change quickly.
The road is closed from Hartley to Hampton on Jenolan Caves Road between the Great Western Highway and Duckmaloi Road. Motorists are advised to use an alternative route and avoid the area.
The road has reopened from Bell to Lithgow at Chifley Road between Bells Line of Road and Hartley Valley Road.
Lithgow Council advised the following road closures due to weather conditions in the area.
- Old Bindo Road, Hampton
- Wicketty War Road, Hampton
- Portland - Sunny Corner Road (Garlands Hill)
- Biddys Pinch Road, Hampton
- Old Post Office Road, Hampton
- Rydal-Hampton Road (from Jenolan Caves Rd to Martins Rd for through traffic, Access restricted to residents only.
The Lithgow Mercury will keep you updated on road closures should anything change.
Earlier
This week a white out was predicted for Lithgow and surrounds on Wednesday, June 9 and Thursday, June 10.
Light snow flurries fell on Wednesday morning in Lithgow and while nothing settled on the ground, the mercury continued to plummet with freezing wind, light showers and sunshine forcing an appearance in between.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) the top temperature reached just 6°C with a low of -1°C.
Snow falls were predicted to fall above 500 metres. According to social media there were reports of falls out near Oberon, Orange, Jenolan Caves, Blackheath, Dargan, Yetholme and Meadow Flat.
The Lithgow CBD still awaits a Winter wonderland but there is a possibility for falls above 900 metres on Thursday with a top temperature of 4°C and a minimum of -1°C.
The BOM MetEye remains showing snow in the region. Falls are looking promising on Wednesday afternoon and overnight plus an 80 per cent chance of snow in Lithgow from 4am on Thursday morning as the mercury is set to stay in freezing temperatures.
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
At this stage there is also a 50 per cent chance for snow showers on Friday above 1000 metres with a top of 9°C and a low of 1°C.
Message from the SES
With a cold weather pattern ahead, Blue Mountains SES is encouraging residents to be prepared.
- Clear the gutters: Rain with hail or snow is often known to block downpipes and gutters, causing water to leak into the ceiling space - try and clear you gutters by Tuesday if you can.
- Be careful when driving: even with no snow, it is known that roads can have a clear coating of ice, especially from 6am-9am which may cause vehicles to slip. It is advisable to restrict any driving during the cold period or drive to the conditions.
- If you require any assistance from the NSW SES, contact us on 132 500 at anytime.
Snow photos
If you take any snow photos feel free to email them to alanna.tomazin@lithgowmercury.com.au or inbox them to the Lithgow Mercury Facebook page for your chance to have it featured in our newspaper and on our website.
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Alanna Tomazin
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alanna is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on education. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at alanna.tomazin@austcommunitymedia.com.au
