Bureau of Meteorology severe weather forecaster Jordan Notara said strong winds to the west of the ACT paired with few recent rainy days had dragged the dust across the border.

The bureau's weather warning related only to the damaging winds as the dust was not yet classed as a dust storm, Mr Notara said.

"We have seen over the last hour or so areas of dust being blown through Canberra," he said.

"We had seen other parts in the south-western parts and near the Riverina some earlier dust being blown through and this should basically continue it to blow through into parts of the Goulburn area as we're watching it move through on our satellite imagery."

The ACT's Emergency Services Agency said dust particles were high in the atmosphere, meaning ground level air quality was safe.

"People with respiratory illnesses who are concerned can take the precaution of avoiding strenuous activity and staying indoors with doors and windows closed," the ESA statement said.

Strong winds led to power outages in Griffith, Kingston, Narrabundah, Red Hill, Scullin, Duffy, Fraser, Holder, Melba, Rivett, Spence, Stirling and Weston, with restoration of services expected by 4pm.

The ACT government warned motorists and cyclists to be aware of fallen trees and branches.

To protect from damaging winds, the State Emergency Service advised that people in Nowra, Bowral, Braidwood, Canberra, Goulburn, Cooma, Yass and Bombala should: