THE Bureau of Meteorology is warning that a vigorous low pressure system and associated cold front is expected to move through NSW on Thursday, with damaging winds forecast around the low as it moves through inland NSW, and with the front as it passes over the NSW ranges. Widespread rain, showers and isolated thunderstorms are also likely with this system.

Damaging winds, averaging 60 to 80 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 110 km/h are expected about Alpine peaks from early Thursday morning.

Damaging winds, averaging 50 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are expected to develop Thursday morning in the far west of New South Wales, progressing through the central inland and along the ranges by the afternoon. Districts affected include the Upper and Lower Western, Riverina and parts of the Central West Slopes and Plains; Northern, Southern and Central Tablelands; Mid North Coast, Hunter, Snowy Mountains and the ACT ranges.

Moderate to locally heavy rain is expected to develop early Thursday morning over already saturated catchments about the Central West and South West Slopes. This may lead to localised flash flooding as well as contribute to broader riverine flooding. Districts affected include the South West Slopes and adjacent parts of the Central Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains and Snowy Mountains districts.