Illawarra boaters, swimmers and rock fishers have again been warned to steer clear of the ocean, as dangerous surf conditions linger along the region’s coastline.
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Seas of 3 metres – increasing to 3 to 4 metres offshore north of Port Kembla – are forecast on Tuesday, along with a southerly swell of three to four metres.
As of 10am, all Wollongong City Council-patrolled beaches were closed due to the dangerous conditions.
A council spokeswoman said lifeguards at North Wollongong were monitoring the situation and could open the beach if conditions improve.
Beachwatch NSW reports all beaches across the Illawarra are closed, with only a handful of Sydney beaches open.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities like rock fishing, swimming, surfing and crossing bars by boat.
The bureau says the large swells are the result of a deep, slow-moving low pressure system over the central Tasman Sea is directing persistent southerly winds along the NSW coast.
A strong wind warning has been issued for Illawarra, Batemans and Eden coastal waters on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The winds are expected to ease during Wednesday, as the low moves further east. However, dangerous surf conditions are forecast to continue on Wednesday.
The bureau predicts a southerly swell of 4 to 5 metres, tending southeasterly 4 to 5 metres about noon, on Wednesday.
The powerful swell forced lifeguards to close all but two Illawarra beaches on Monday.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
