Australia’s southern states are bracing as a “series of cold fronts” prepares to unleash damaging winds, driving rain, and even snow and hail over the next several days.

Weatherzone said the conditions will endure for the next four to five days, warning “severe weather warnings are likely to be issued closer to the weekend”.

A complex low-pressure system was seen passing to the south of Western Australia on Wednesday, generating extreme winds – and another cold front is chasing hot on its heels.

Marine wind warnings are currently in effect for the Eucla Coast, Leeuwin Coast, Albany Coast and Esperance Coast.

Today a low of 8 degrees and a maximum of 17 degrees is forecast for Perth. 

As the low tracks eastwards over today and Friday, similar conditions are forecast for parts of southeastern Australia.

“Cold air behind the front will also produce small hail and highland snow in some areas, adding to the wintry feel of this system,” Weatherzone said.

“A second strong cold front will then reach SA on Friday before crossing southeastern Australia on Saturday.

“This system is likely to cause stronger winds, with damaging gusts possible in parts of SA, Vic, Tas, NSW and the ACT between Friday and Sunday.

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“Showers, hail and snow are also likely near and in the wake of this powerful cold front.”