There is a calm before the storm in the Northern Rivers this morning, not that the forecast is for rain but damaging winds.

The damaging winds will be developing this morning in the west of the state, extending to the east coast by this evening.

There is a low-pressure system over the Great Australian Bight and associated cold front will strengthen as they move eastwards today. Winds will likely average 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h likely over the far west of New South Wales this morning, reaching the Great Dividing Range by this afternoon and the east coast this evening.

Saturated soils bring an increased risk of gusty winds toppling trees and powerlines, particularly along elevated terrain.

The system will also bring cooler temperatures for the rest of the working week with maximums falling to 17-18 degrees while minimums drop to 6 degrees.

Locations that may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Batemans Bay, Armidale, Orange, Canberra, Goulburn, Tamworth, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Deniliquin, Cobar and Broken Hill.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.

* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.

* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.

* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.

* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.

* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.

* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.