NSW coast expecting damaging winds, heavy surf, alpine areas expecting blizzards

Damaging winds of up to 90 km/h and heavy surf in excess of five metres is expected to hit the coast from Tuesday. South facing beaches will be the most affected.

A front crossing the state will deepen into a low pressure system off the southern half of the coast later on Monday. An associated trough will sweep from south to north during Tuesday, generating vigorous southerly winds and dangerous surf.

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Winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are expected to develop along the coastal fringe and higher parts of the ranges in the far south from late Monday, then extending north during Tuesday.

The forecast for Wollongong and Albion Park will also see rain until Wednesday.

Wind gusts across the Alpine peaks may reach 120 km/h late Monday and early Tuesday. Winds then are expected to gradually ease from the south during Tuesday.

Heavy surf may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion along the south coast from late Monday and extend further north during Tuesday. People should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.

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During the winter months, North Wollongong is the only Illawarra beach that is patrolled.

"If there are no red and yellow flags up, the beach is not safe for swimming. Because if no one can see you, no one can save you," said Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steven Pearce.

"It's crucial for anyone visiting the coast to consider the risks associated with these conditions before putting themselves, their family and our lifeguards in danger."

A combination of gale force winds and snowfalls may lead to blizzard conditions across Alpine areas from Monday evening into Tuesday morning.

The State Emergency Service advises:

The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AEST Monday.