Cyclone winds to blast southeast NSW

Authorities are warning of winds just short of cyclonic for south-east NSW on Thursday with the Snowy Mountains set for a battering.

Maximum gusts of 100km/h are forecast for parts of Illawarra, South Coast, Central and Southern Tablelands and the Australian Capital Territory.

Those in the mountains will be hit on Thursday afternoon with winds averaging about 70km/h and damaging gusts up to 130km/h.

Winds were blowing up to 117km/h at Thredbo on Wednesday night.

State emergency services are urging people to keep vehicles away from trees and to secure loose items around their homes.