Latest news with #blizzard
ABC News
10-06-2025
- Climate
- ABC News
NSW Snowy Mountains hikers warned after couple's blizzard rescue
Authorities have urged people hiking in the Snowy Mountains to monitor weather forecasts after a couple was rescued in blizzard conditions over the King's Birthday long weekend. Emergency services were called on Saturday morning to reports a man and woman were stranded in the snowstorm on the Kosciuszko Walking Trail, below Mount Carruthers. NSW Police officer Andrew Woods said the operation to rescue the 31-year-old man and 28-year-old woman took more than 20 hours due to poor conditions. "The high winds, the snow was falling, there was a lot of snowfall over that time," Acting Inspector Woods said. An alpine rescue crew, which included NSW Police and State Emergency Service members, set out on foot before harsh conditions set in just after midday. "They were forced to turn around and disengage the search due to the white-out and weather conditions," Inspector Woods said. Rescuers found the couple after midnight on Sunday, guiding them to the command post at Charlotte Pass about 4am, more than 20 hours after the original call for help was sent. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, temperatures reached as low as -2.7 degrees at Perisher Valley when the couple was stranded between Saturday and Sunday. No injuries have been reported. The couple had set off on a hike on Friday evening, with "reasonable equipment" before setting up camp in harsh conditions when their tent poles became damaged. "They didn't consider the conditions that were coming and unfortunately set up in probably not the best location," Inspector Woods said. The couple were not carrying a personal locator beacon and contacted authorities through a mobile phone. Inspector Woods said it was a timely reminder to take caution in the alpine region during winter. "If you know bad weather is coming maybe reconsider the need to go camping or hiking in those conditions," Inspector Woods said. The NSW snow season officially started at the weekend, with some resorts receiving 65 centimetres of snow across the three days. Emergency services had to rescue three men on Tuesday last week who were caught in a snowstorm at Seaman's Hut on the Kosciuszko Park Main Range. Police said the trio were not dressed for the conditions, had not filled out a trip intention form and were not carrying enough water or a personal locator beacon. Across the border in Victoria, a major rescue operation was conducted on Monday after several cars and two hikers became stuck at Mount Hotham. A vehicle also needed rescuing from the snow in NSW on Saturday morning. Acting Inspector Woods said it was crucial that people knew whether their vehicles are equipped to drive in alpine conditions. "Carry snow chains or [make sure] you've got appropriate tyres," he said. Snowy Mountains SES commander Malika Bailey said people were slowly becoming more aware of snow safety messaging. "Prepare, have a good plan in place and maybe a plan B as well in case if there is a problem. "We all get caught from time to time."
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Miracle after man, woman lost in blizzard
A pair of hikers have been rescued from a dangerous blizzard in the shadow of Australia's tallest mountain, with shocking footage showing the treacherous conditions they faced. The 31-year-old man and 28-year-old woman became stranded in a blizzard below Mount Carruthers, about 3km from Mount Kosciuszko, on Saturday, with rescue efforts hampered by a 'white out' blizzard and strong winds. Alpine rescue staff from the SES and police had gone out to help the pair, along with paramedics and the police rescue squad. About midday on Saturday, the rescue party got within 1.2km of the stranded bushwalkers, but the extreme conditions forced them to turn back. Specialist emergency services were then forced to take over the search, and were finally able to reach the pair, who were unharmed, in the early hours of Sunday. About 10.30pm the specialist alpine police and SES crews hiked to the stranded pair. Footage released by police shows at least nine people trudging through darkness, as wind drives snow sideways. Just after midnight Sunday, the pair were escorted to a makeshift camp set up by rescuers, but the group had to wait there again as the Snowy River rose, and more strong winds and heavy snowfall inhibited their descent. Everybody got off the mountain about 4am Sunday, police said. The incident comes as the ski season officially kicks off in Australia's alpine regions. Monaro police Acting Inspector Andrew Woods said bushwalkers need to be prepared and should consult checklists such as the Think Before Trek guide. 'As we move into the snow season, it's vital that Kosciusko National Park users are properly prepared before venturing into alpine regions. 'It's highly recommended that park users monitor weather forecasts closely and continually as conditions change quickly. 'The use of the online National parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Forms and personal locator beacon is strongly encouraged.' The ski resorts at Mount Kosciuszko have received up to 30cm of snow since Saturday - the official start of ski season in Australia. In Victoria, more than 20 people became stranded in their cars about 10.50pm on Saturday near Mount Hotham. The convoy was snowed-in overnight into Sunday, remaining stuck for about 19 hours as more than 50cm of snow fell. A man in his 40s had minor injuries after his vehicle rolled, and a fire truck became stuck after being deployed to help. Rescue crews rode snowmobiles into the Blue Rag Range Track, near Dargo High Plains Road, with People in the stranded vehicles had food, water and protection from the elements, emergency services said.
News.com.au
08-06-2025
- Climate
- News.com.au
Hikers rescued after becoming lost in Mount Kosciuszko blizzard
A pair of hikers have been rescued from a dangerous blizzard in the shadow of Australia's tallest mountain, with shocking footage showing the treacherous conditions they faced. The 31-year-old man and 28-year-old woman became stranded in a blizzard below Mount Carruthers, about 3km from Mount Kosciuszko, on Saturday, with rescue efforts hampered by a 'white out' blizzard and strong winds. Alpine rescue staff from the SES and police had gone out to help the pair, along with paramedics and the police rescue squad. About midday on Saturday, the rescue party got within 1.2km of the stranded bushwalkers, but the extreme conditions forced them to turn back. Specialist emergency services were then forced to take over the search, and were finally able to reach the pair, who were unharmed, in the early hours of Sunday. About 10.30pm the specialist alpine police and SES crews hiked to the stranded pair. Footage released by police shows at least nine people trudging through darkness, as wind drives snow sideways. Just after midnight Sunday, the pair were escorted to a makeshift camp set up by rescuers, but the group had to wait there again as the Snowy River rose, and more strong winds and heavy snowfall inhibited their descent. Everybody got off the mountain about 4am Sunday, police said. The incident comes as the ski season officially kicks off in Australia's alpine regions. Monaro police Acting Inspector Andrew Woods said bushwalkers need to be prepared and should consult checklists such as the Think Before Trek guide. 'As we move into the snow season, it's vital that Kosciusko National Park users are properly prepared before venturing into alpine regions. 'It's highly recommended that park users monitor weather forecasts closely and continually as conditions change quickly. 'The use of the online National parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Forms and personal locator beacon is strongly encouraged.' The ski resorts at Mount Kosciuszko have received up to 30cm of snow since Saturday - the official start of ski season in Australia. In Victoria, more than 20 people became stranded in their cars about 10.50pm on Saturday near Mount Hotham. The convoy was snowed-in overnight into Sunday, remaining stuck for about 19 hours as more than 50cm of snow fell. A man in his 40s had minor injuries after his vehicle rolled, and a fire truck became stuck after being deployed to help. People in the stranded vehicles had food, water and protection from the elements, emergency services said.
ABC News
08-06-2025
- Climate
- ABC News
Cars become trapped in heavy snow at Mount Hotham
Dozens of people have spent the night stuck in their cars in Victoria's Alpine Region as emergency services continue a rescue operation at Mount Hotham today. Meanwhile a couple had to be rescued in the Mount Kosciuszko National Park in NSW after becoming stranded in a blizzard.
News.com.au
07-06-2025
- Climate
- News.com.au
Blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, damaging winds mark frigid start to Australia's snow season
A cold snap and snowfall is set to hit parts of south eastern Australia this King's Birthday long weekend, marking the start of the Australian snow season. Blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, and damaging winds are expected to impact regions across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. A series of cold fronts from the Southern Ocean are already bringing icy temperatures, showers, possible hail and snow to the south. Snow is falling as low as 1100m and may descend even further by Sunday, with the heaviest snowfall projected to hit alpine areas and the Grampians. Fresh snowfall also hit Perisher resort on Friday night with 5cm of snowfall hitting the mountains. More snowfall is set to hit the region, with over 40cm of snow predicted to fall over the next few days. A top of 1C and strong, north-westerly winds are forecast for the resort on its first open weekend for the season. Elsewhere, the Bureau of Meteorology is warning of dangerous travel conditions due to black ice and reduced visibility, especially for those heading to ski resorts for the weekend. In South Australia, severe weather warnings have been issued for damaging winds averaging 55 to 65 km/h, and gusts exceeding 90 km/h reported in areas like Cape Borda and Stenhouse Bay. These conditions have disrupted transport services, resulting in ferry cancellations on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Eastern States have also recorded their coldest mornings of the year, with temperatures plunging to -7C in Goulburn, -4C in Canberra, 7C in Sydney and 4C in Melbourne. Here's what to expect across the country's capital cities this long weekend. Sydney Sydneysiders can expect a mostly sunny day on Saturday with a top of 20C and a low of 10C. On Sunday the city can expect a windy day with a top of 17C and a low of 8C. Melbourne In Melbourne, the city should expect possible showers with a top of 14C and a low of 7C. On Sunday, Melbourne can expect heavy showers with a top of 10C and a low of 8C. Brisbane Those in Brisbane can expect a mostly Sunday day with a top of 25C and a low of 10C. On Sunday the city should expect a top of 23C and a low of 9C. Adelaide In Adelaide on Saturday showers and strong winds are expected with a top of 14C and a low of 8C. On Sunday the city can expect some showers with a high of 12C and a low of 7C. Perth In Perth on Saturday a sunny day is forecast, with a top of 20C and a low of 9C. On Sunday a high of 22C is expected with a low of 8C. Hobart Those in Hobart can expect a few showers on Saturday with a high of 13C and a low of 6C. On Sunday rain is forecast with a high of 11C and a low of 8C. Canberra Canberra residents can expect a chilly weekend with a high on Saturday of 9C and a low of 5C. On Sunday the nation's capital can expect a few showers with a low of 7C and a low of 2C. Darwin Up in Darwin a mostly sunny day is forecast for Saturday with a high of 32C and a low of 22C. On Sunday a high of 31C and a low of 19C is forecast.
