First sight of 'early' snow at popular Aussie ski fields

Snow is officially early this year, with our first falls of the year already here.

Mere days after the end of daylight savings Aussies have already been treated to the first bout of snow for the year, with a cold front causing blankets of snow to cover parts of the country overnight.

Victoria and New South Wales' popular winter holiday destinations including Thredbo, Perisher, Hotham, Mount Baw Baw and Mount Buller all reported fresh snow in the past 24 hours — with temperatures sitting between a cool 2 and 4 degrees.

The snow follows days of rain lashing both states, causing some areas to flood and reports of considerable damage to some homes.

Images of snow blanketing Thredbo (left) and Hotham.
Snow has covered parts of NSW and Victoria overnight. Source: Facebook/Thredbo Resort/Hotham Alpine Resort

Thredbo Resort shared an incredible video of snow falling "all the way down to the village" on Tuesday with Weather Zone reporting that locals found between five and 10 cm of snow this morning — leaving hundreds shocked at how much there was so early in the year.

"Wow! That's early," one person said with countless others agreeing.

"Always good to see snow this early, or anytime for that matter," another added, excited by the sight.

Image of snow falling in Thredbo, covering roads and a chair lift.
Snow has fallen across both NSW and Victoria overnight as a cold front sweeps the southeast of the country. Source: Facebook/Transport NSW/Thredbo Resort

According to Weather Zone, a heavy moisture band crossed the Snowy Mountains of NSW just before 9 am. This system has brought with it a drop in temperatures across southeastern Australia and is expected to last most of this week.

Strong winds and big swells are expected along NSW's coastline and a severe weather warning for damaging winds for parts of the NSW coast has been issued. The Bureau of Meteorology said these damaging wind gusts are forecast to "ease below warning thresholds" by late Wednesday afternoon.

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