A view of crisp white fields has signalled the first real signs of winter as Nowra shivered through one of its coldest mornings on Wednesday.

At 7am Wednesday morning Nowra registered just 2.3 degrees, with many residents encountering the first frost of the season.

The temperature jumped to 5.2 degrees by 8am, 9.1 by 8.30am and to 12.1 by 9am as the morning rays melted the ice.

There were numerous reports of ice covered windscreens throughout the area including Falls Creek, Berry, Nowra Hill, Nowra and through to the flood plain.

Further afield Kiama reached a low 7.9 degrees at 7am, the low at Point Perpendicular was 9.6 at 6am, with temperature rising to 10.5 at 7am and dropping to 9.6 again at 7.30.

Further south Ulladulla recorded a low of 9.7 degrees at 5am, 7.30am and 8am.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for the South Coast for damaging winds and blizzard conditions.

A strong cold front is crossing western NSW and it will move through the southeast Wednesday afternoon, then through the central ranges and

central part of coast in the evening.

Damaging winds averaging 60 to 65 km/h with gusts of 90 km/h are possible for the Illawarra and South Coast.

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 clear of fallen power lines.

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