A Severe Weather Warning for DANGEROUS SURF has been issued along the South Coast today (Thursday December 15) by the Bureau of Meteorology.
Beach conditions could be dangerous and people are advised to stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.
A Gale Wind Warning is also current for the Batemans Coast and Eden Coast today.
A low pressure system is expected to deepen over the southern Tasman Sea, generating damaging surf from early today in the south, extending northwards during the day.
VERY HEAVY SURF which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion on exposed south-facing beaches is likely to develop today after sunrise on the South Coast, extending to Illawarra in the late morning, Sydney around mid afternoon, and the Hunter and Mid North districts to Seal Rocks in the late afternoon or early evening.
Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.
A separate Hazardous Surf Warning has been issued.
Conditions are expected to gradually ease during Friday.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.
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.
The next warning will be issued by 5:00 pm EDT Thursday.
There is also a Warning to Sheep Graziers in the South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, South West
Slopes, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory forecast districts today.
Sheep graziers are warned that cold temperatures, showers and southwesterly winds are expected during Thursday and Friday.
Images: Bureau of Meteorology