A "windy, wintry blast" is heading for southeast Australia, starting in Tasmania and extending to Victoria and NSW.
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The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings for parts of all three states, including "damaging winds strong enough to bring down trees or powerlines".
Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury says the "windy, wintry blast is on the way for south eastern Australia", beginning in Tasmania on Sunday before moving into Victoria and NSW on Monday.
It is already snowing throughout alpine NSW and the bureau says that as it combines with strong winds on Monday, there is a risk of blizzards for those above 1900 metres.
Tasmania's State Emergency Service (SES) is warning communities to prepare for damaging winds and heavy rainfall that will hit on Sunday night.
Gusts up to 100km/h are expected to develop overnight and extend to far western parts of the north west coast and King Island as the significant weather system moves across the state.
Forecast winds averaging 60-to-70km/h are also predicted to hit the southeast coast from Bicheno to Dover and across the far north west and central north coast including Sheffield and Deloraine.
Cheryl Ames from the SES says the organisation is preparing for the weather and needs the community to do the same.
"With school holidays underway, we know that many Tasmanian families may be travelling or planning outdoor activities," she said.
"We encourage everyone to make safe and sensible decisions and keep informed about the weather conditions."
Moderate to heavy rainfall is predicted by the bureau with totals of 20mm to 50mm in eastern and southeastern Tasmania while isolated, elevated parts of the state are expected to receive up to 100mm.
"There is potential for minor flooding in areas that are prone to the impacts of heavy rainfall," Ms Ames said.
The SES says it is preparing to provide assistance as required for any of the damaging winds or any flood affected communities
Drivers are advised to avoid flooded roads and the services are warning affected communities to be prepared in case of power outages.
The marine wind warning is extended beyond Tasmania, with the bureau forecasting gales on Sunday in East Gippsland Coast, Victoria, and the Eden Coast in NSW.
A strong wind warning was also issued for the lower southeast coast in South Australia.
Towards the end of Monday and into Tuesday, the bureau says the strongest impacts will ease but communities are likely to experience strong winds and showers up until Wednesday.
Australian Associated Press
