Motorists are advised to prepare for potentially hazardous road conditions across parts of the New England and the state tomorrow, Saturday, August 30, with damaging winds and snow forecast to fall overnight.
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted snowfall for some areas in the Central Ranges, including Oberon, and the chance of a dusting of snow is also possible in the Northern Ranges and locations over 1,000m elevation, including Walcha, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Guyra, Inverell, Armidale, Uralla, and surrounding areas.
Transport for NSW Executive Director Operations Management Craig Moran said motorists travelling in these areas need to have a plan before setting out on their journeys.
“Earlier this month we saw what can happen to roads when snow falls. Hundreds of vehicles ended up stuck when snow forced the closure of roads in the Northern Tablelands,” Mr Moran said.
“While the same level of snowfall if not being predicted this time around, Transport for NSW will be monitoring road conditions in potentially affected areas, and snow clearing equipment will be stationed at key locations.”
“Staff in the field will continually monitor traffic conditions, and portable and permanent electronic signs will be used to provide motorists with real-time traffic information.”
“If you need to travel in an area affected by snow, check the road conditions on Live Traffic NSW before setting off, exercise additional caution and drive to the conditions.”
Mr Moran said snow and black ice create additional road hazards, adding there are steps motorists should take for their safety and the safety of all road users.
“Based on the forecasts, drivers may be presented with very challenging conditions this weekend,” Mr Moran said.
“Transport for NSW crews will be salting roads this afternoon in the Central West to reduce the likelihood of black ice forming.”
“Still, drivers will need to reduce speed, avoid heavy braking, use daytime driving lights and keep an increased distance between cars in front.”
More information about driving in extreme weather can be found at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/drivers/extreme-weather.
For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
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