The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds across the Illawarra.

The warning says vigorous northwest to southwesterly winds are expected across southeastern New South Wales as a cold front clips the southeast on Wednesday morning, followed by a second front on Thursday morning.

Winds will ease in the wake of these fronts later on Thursday.

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Damaging winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h, with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h, are possible for the region.

In Wollongong, temperatures are expected to reach 19 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and 18 degrees Celsius with a possible shower on Thursday.

A hazardous surf warning is also in place for the Illawarra coast on Wednesday.

Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming.

People are advised to stay out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed area.

Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms and boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should to move vehicles under cover or away from trees, secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony and keep at least eight metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.

Residents should 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.

For emergency help, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.