A HAZARDOUS surf warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology on Tuesday with beaches across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie closed to the public.
The huge swell has battered the already eroding Stockton shoreline, just months after a coastal management program for the area was approved.
In October the decision was made to relocate 300,000 cubic metres of high-quality river sand from Newcastle harbour to erosion-stricken Stockton beach.
The existing sand could not be seen on Tuesday morning, with big waves hitting the rock wall as residents watched on while their beloved beach once again disappeared into the ocean.
The hazardous surf warning area includes most of the NSW coastline, from Byron Bay right down past Newcastle to Sydney and the Illawarra.
The bureau has forecast for the conditions to hang around the Hunter's coastline into Wednesday.
Dave Anderson from Newcastle Herald's Beachwatch expected choppy to messy conditions for most of the day.
"Strong sweeps and erosion likely with the mornings two metre high tide, which may also close the ocean baths."
NSW Police Force, Marine Area Command advise that:
- People should consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.
- Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf.
- Boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage.
- Boaters already on the water should carry the appropriate safety equipment and wear a lifejacket.
- Boaters should remember to log on with their local Marine Rescue radio base, via VHF Radio or the Marine Rescue APP, and consider their safety management plan.
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