5.15PM
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EASTBOUND traffic on the Great Western Highway has been affected due to a fallen tree being removed from the railway lines.
RTA Live Traffic urges motorists in the area to proceed with caution.
3.32PM
ESSENTIAL Energy crews are working to restore power to about 1900 customers in Bathurst after strong wind gusts caused vegetation to contact powerlines in multiple locations.
The resulting faults on the high voltage electricity network interrupted the power supply to customers in West Bathurst, Robins Hill, South Bathurst, Perthville, Gormans Hill and Mount Panorama.
Essential Energy south-eastern regional manager Phillip Green said crews are working to restore power.
"The priority for crews is to identify and isolate fault locations and ensure the safety of each area before removing vegetation and making the necessary repairs to the electricity network," he said.
Essential Energy reminds the community to be careful around the electricity network during storms, to stay at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines or anything in contact with them, and call 13 20 80 to report supply interruptions or damage to the electricity network.
2.30PM
BATHURST SES has been called out to a number of jobs this afternoon after a strong wind buffeted the central business district just after 1pm.
There have been reports of branches down across the city, a tree on to a home and blackout in West Bathurst following the quick but powerful blast.
Online weather forecaster Weatherzone reports that wind gusts reached 80km/h as the westerly buster passed through the city.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds across much of the state.
The warning, issued at 1.30pm, applied to people in the Metropolitan, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory forecast districts.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep clear of fallen power lines.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
* If you have photos of local damage that you would like added to our online gallery, please share them on the Western Advocate Facebook page or email them to murray.nicholls@fairfaxmedia.com.au.