Fierce gales have swept through the NSW Snowy Mountains, forcing the partial evacuation of three ski resorts.

About 10.30am (AEST) winds travelling at more than 160km/h began rushing through Charlotte Pass, Perisher Valley and Thredbo, a NSW Fire Brigade spokesman said.

The roofs of three ski lodges were ripped off, one at each resort, and the occupants evacuated. Severe gales were expected to continue this afternoon.

Thredbo media manager Susie Diver said one of the lodges had part of its roof blown off, but there was no need for evacuation. "I don't think many people were there," she said.

Ms Diver said the gale-force winds had restricted skiing to the resort's beginners slope, Friday Flat. "It's too windy to open the other lifts," she said.

Koscuiszko Chalet, general manager at Charlotte Pass David Payne, said one lodge at the resort had suffered a damaged roof, but was later repaired. The mountain was closed since 9.30am to protect skiers from flying debris but expected to open soon, he said.

"Corrugated iron was blowing around the mountain so we closed the mountain operation," he said. "It's a rare occurrence," he said. "It's pretty wild."

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has 30 volunteers working with the NSW Fire Brigade to ensure people's safety.

"We're expecting the winds to continue for a while and we'll probably get more calls for help as the day progresses," an SES spokeswoman said.

[Source: Herald Sun]

Mail this page to a friend
What do you think? Tell us on the Message Boards