A severe weather warning for damaging winds, abnormally high tides and damaging surf has been made for large parts of the NSW Coast, including the Shoalhaven, and in particular, Jervis Bay.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bureau of Meteorology warning is for parts of Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan and Illawarra forecast districts, reaching right down as far south as Jervis Bay.
A strong cold front is moving north along the NSW coast bringing with it vigorous southerly winds which will generate large waves.
Abnormally high tides, which may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas, is possible between Jervis Bay and Port Macquarie today (Wednesday).
In some areas water levels could exceed the highest tide of the year by 50 centimetres during the evening high tide.
Locations which may be affected include Huskisson, Kiama, Wollongong, Sydney and further north Port Macquarie.
Damaging surf, with wave heights exceeding five metres in the surf zone, may lead to localised coastal erosion between Jervis Bay and Port Macquarie, especially in areas with a more southerly aspect.
Beach conditions in these areas are likely to be dangerous, and people should stay well away from the surf and surf-exposed areas.
Damaging winds, averaging 60 to 70 kilometres per hour, with gusts in excess of 90 km/h, are possible along the coastal fringe between Jervis Bay and Forster.
A mostly sunny day today for Nowra, heading for a high of 14 degrees after a low of eight degrees overnight.
Tomorrow, Thursday will be a sunny day, but a colder start with temperature forecast to be down to one degree overnight before rising to 16. A possible shower on Friday with the temperature range from 5-15, with winds returning for the weekend, Saturday expected to hit 17 degrees and Sunday just 13.
Ulladulla today is heading for a top of 13 degrees, 15 on Thursday and 14 for Friday.
Surf Lifesaving NSW urges care
Surf Lifesaving NSW has urged everyone to take care with the hazardous weather conditions, especially for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, surfing and swimming.
Surf Lifesaving NSW Director of Lifesaving Joel Wiseman said people should consider staying out of the water.
"Rock fishers in particular are at risk and should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean," he said. "This time of year is statistically a very dangerous period for rock fishing accidents and tragedies."
Nine people have died while rock fishing in the last 12 months in NSW.
"Only a handful of beaches are patrolled at this time of year by council lifeguards and it is likely these beaches will be closed due to the conditions," he said.
Surf Lifesaving NSW club call-out teams, Duty Officers and surf rescue assets continue to be on standby throughout winter to respond to critical coastal incidents.
Hazardous surf conditions safety tips.
- Avoid rock fishing and water activities on exposed beaches/rock-shelves
- Only swim at patrolled beaches, between the red and yellow flags. See the Beachsafe Website for patrolled locations/times
- Check the official Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast before undertaking rock fishing and water activities
- Boaties should seek advice from Marine Rescue NSW and always wear a lifejacket
- If witnessing an in-water emergency dial Triple Zero (000) - Police.
SES says 'play it safe'
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.
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* 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.