A severe weather warning has been issued for the Hunter with people advised to stay well away from the surf on Saturday.
The latest Bureau of Meteorology alert issued just after 11.30am Saturday said a low paper system was currently in the southern Tasman Sea east of Bass Strait. It is deepening and moving northwards, producing a surge of southerly winds around its western flank.
"This surge of winds will increase the risk of damaging winds about the NSW coastline during today, in addition to large, powerful and damaging surf conditions," the Bureau said.
Emergency services are on alert around the water today with beach conditions to be dangerous and people advised to stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.
Very heavy surf which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion is possible for beaches south of Seal Rocks. Beaches at highest risk will be those orientated south to southeast.
A hazardous surf warning has been issued for today for the coastline south of Coffs Harbour and between Point Perpendicular and Cape Byron for Sunday.
Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra and Batemans Bay.
Stockton Beach copped a pounding on Saturday afternoon with big swells lashing the fragile coastline.
Damaging winds are possible into the afternoon and evening. Wind gusts are likely to be associated with showers and thunderstorms pushing over the coastal fringe.
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 at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
- * Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
- * Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
- * Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
- * For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
