Shark-spotting helicopter flights have been grounded as strong winds and dangerous surf conditions continue along the Illawarra coast.
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For the third consecutive day, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned of large and powerful surf conditions on Wednesday.
Seas of 2 to 3 metres and a southerly swell of 4 metres, tending southeasterly during the morning, are forecast for Illawarra coastal waters between Port Hacking and Ulladulla.
The bureau has issued a hazardous surf warning for the Sydney, Illawarra, Batemans and Eden coasts.
Conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
The wild seas are the result of a slow-moving, deep low pressure system over the central Tasman Sea and a strong high pressure system near Tasmania..
“The two systems are directing vigorous southerly winds along the New South Wales coast,” the bureau said.
“Winds will ease during Wednesday as the low moves further east.”
The wild weather has forced the cancellation of the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ shark surveillance helicopter flights between Wollongong and Newcastle.
Smart drumlines won’t be deployed at Kiama or between Narrawallee and Ulladulla on Wednesday, the DPI said.
Beaches were closed on Monday and Tuesday due to dangerous conditions.
Beachwatch NSW says most patrolled beaches in the Illawarra are closed on Wednesday due to dangerous surf conditions.
Corrimal and Werri were the only beaches open, as of 11am.
The hazardous surf warning is expected to remain in place for the Sydney and Illawarra coasts on Thursday.
Away from the water, Wollongong can expect southerly winds of 25 to 40km/h on Wednesday, decreasing to 15 to 20km/h in the late evening.
The city is forecast to reach 23 degrees on Wednesday, with a top of 25 degrees expected at Albion Park.
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.
