Heavy Snow Blankets New England North West, Over 200 Vehicles Stuck.

Heavy snow blankets New England North West, with up to 200 vehicles stuck and multiple highways closed. The NSW SES advises people to stay near shelter and avoid non-essential travel. They're responding to reports of up to 100 vehicles stranded in snow, including on the New England Highway, Waterfall Way, Norris Drive, and Grafton Road.

Heavy snowfalls are blanketing the New England North West region of Australia, leading to significant disruptions in transportation and safety concerns for residents. The State Emergency Service (SES) has issued severe weather warnings, advising residents to stay near shelter and avoid non-essential travel. The situation is particularly critical on the New England Highway, where up to 200 vehicles are reported to be stuck in heavy snowfall.

The SES has reported that multiple highways in the region are closed, including the New England Highway between Moonbi and Bendemeer, and between Kentucky and Uralla. Additionally, the Oxley Highway from Bendemeer to Walcha and Waterfall Way between Ebor and Armidale, and from Armidale to Glen Innes, are also closed. The NSW SES spokesperson Harry Lance emphasized the importance of avoiding non-essential travel, as there are not many alternative routes available due to the heavy snow and ice conditions [1].

Residents and visitors alike are facing significant challenges. Geraldine Fenn, stuck on a bus with 26 other people on the New England Highway, described the situation as treacherous. Kris Banks, who drove from Coffs Harbour to Guyra, reported that the roads were beautiful but extremely dangerous for two-wheel drive vehicles due to the ice [1].

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of up to 50 centimeters of snow expected across the region, with further rainfall and black ice posing additional risks. North Western State Emergency Service zone commander Stuart Fisher urged motorists to be cautious, noting that the dynamic weather situation could lead to black ice and further flooding [2].

The SES has deployed more than 1,000 volunteers across the state to respond to the severe weather conditions. As of Saturday afternoon, the SES had responded to over 750 calls since the onset of the bad weather [3]. The New South Wales SES has been proactive in issuing warnings and advising residents to stay informed about the conditions and potential hazards.

The ongoing severe weather conditions have led to significant disruptions in daily life and economic activities in the region. The heavy snowfalls and road closures have not only affected travel but also posed risks to public safety. The NSW SES has been working closely with local councils and the Bureau of Meteorology to mitigate the impacts of the severe weather and ensure the safety of residents [4].

References:
[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-02/vehicles-stuck-and-eople-stranded-with-heavy-now-falls/105604378
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/aug/02/nsw-winter-storms-heavy-snow-black-ice-flood-risks-rain
[3] https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/news/nsw-ses-issues-flood-snow-warnings-severe-weather-moves-across-state
[4] https://www.inkl.com/news/heavy-rain-and-massive-snowfalls-risk-cutting-off-roads