Australia's warm autumn has come to an end as severe weather warnings were put in place for parts of Victoria and NSW, with damaging winds and heavy surf expected throughout Monday and Tuesday.
In NSW, the affected areas stretch from Bega in the south-east to Kempsey in the north, taking in Sydney and Newcastle, with damaging winds expected to hit 90 km/h in some places.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned people to stay well away from the surf, with waves in excess of 5 metres possible.
Meanwhile, parts of eastern Victoria, including Gippsland, are being battered with heavy rain and wind with flash flooding forecast across the region.
Between 30 and 50 mm of rain have already fallen throughout the central district, with another 20 to 30 mm expected.
In both states, gale force winds and snowfall could lead to blizzard conditions in Alpine areas on Monday evening through to Tuesday morning.
Australia has just experienced it's fourth warmest autumn on record, despite a cold spell towards the end of the season.
People in affected areas should put their car under cover, secure loose items around the house, keep clear of creeks and storm drains and should not enter flood water, state emergency services warn.
