The new roof buckled under gale-force winds this afternoon, and there were fears it could collapse if a predicted second surge of gales hit this evening.

The Bureau of Meteorology has since advised that winds have eased.

The situation will be monitored and further warnings will be issued if necessary.

Emergency services rushed to the stadium this afternoon after strong winds buffeted the newly completed roof.

Engineers on site deemed the situation a critical incident. Witnesses say a large structural beam appears to have snapped.

The Steelers Club has been evacuated as a precaution and parts of Harbour and Burelli streets have been closed due to the dangerous conditions.

Police have extended the exclusion zone as the risk of collapse grows.

Wollongong police commander Superintendent Kyle Stewart said a structural engineer had arrived on the scene and was assessing the damage.

‘‘He will assess the amount of compromise there has been to the integrity of the roof structure,’’ he said.

‘‘Until we have the formal report from the structural engineer, we’re rendering the environment unsafe.’’

Read more at the Illawarra Mercury:
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/win-stadium-roof-buckles-in-high-winds/2298049.aspx