Strong blizzard brings unusually heavy snow to New South Wales, and Victoria, Australia

An Antarctic cold front brought one of the most extensive snowfalls in recent years to southeastern Australia, with accumulations reported across alpine regions, low-elevation towns, and around five capital cities. The system also generated gale-force winds across several states, leaving thousands without power.

The heaviest snow was recorded at Mount Buller, Victoria, with 82 cm (32 inches) measured during the event. New South Wales alpine resorts reported up to 40 cm (16 inches), with total snow depth at Perisher reaching 2.1 m (6.9 feet).

Orange, New South Wales, received up to 10 cm (4 inches), while widespread falls of 20–26 cm (8–10 inches) occurred in the 24 hours to August 30 across alpine regions of Victoria and New South Wales.

Though the blizzard had been in forecast for a few days, the snow totals were significant considering that these regions hardly see any snow during this time of the year; especially at such low elevations.

In Tasmania, 15 cm (6 inches) was reported on Ben Lomond, with 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) on Mount Mawson. Snow settled at elevations of 600 m (1 970 feet) on Mount Wellington and was observed as low as 400 m (1 310 feet) in parts of the state.

Snow extended into the Australian Capital Territory, with Brindabella Ranges and surrounding areas recording accumulations. The New South Wales Central Tablelands, Blue Mountains, and other towns at elevations below 1 000 m (3 280 feet) also reported significant snow.

The blast brought snow within approximately 35 km (22 miles) of Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide, an uncommon occurrence for late August.

Severe wind gusts accompanied the Antarctic air mass. The Bureau of Meteorology measured gusts of 130 km/h (81 mph) in coastal South Australia, 124 km/h (77 mph) at Mount Hotham and Mount Buller, 120 km/h (75 mph) at Neptune Island, and 119 km/h (74 mph) at Wilsons Promontory, Victoria.

The severe weather caused tree damage, road blockages, and power outages. Victoria’s State Emergency Service received more than 800 calls for assistance. Authorities reported localised structural damage, particularly in areas exposed to the strongest winds.

The blizzard also hampered the search of a fugitive, Dezi Freeman 56, who fled into bushland after killing a killing two members of the local police force.

The fatalities were of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, 35, and occurred on a property in Porepunkah. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said more than 450 police officers have been deployed to Porepunkah as part of the search.

The search continued on August 30.

The severe weather system is expected to weaken through August 30, with snowfall and winds gradually easing. Cold, clear conditions are forecast for the final day of winter on August 31. Hazardous driving conditions and residual power disruptions may persist until the weather stabilizes.

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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