The Illawarra coastline is set to be pounded by dangerous winds and large and powerful waves, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned.
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A low pressure system bringing vigorous southerly winds and large southerly surf is expected to linger in the Illawarra over the next few days before slowly moving away.
Damaging winds, averaging 60 to 70km/h with peak gusts reaching 90km/h, are possible along the Illawarra and Royal National Park coastal fringe on Friday.
Winds are expected to ease below warning threshold on Saturday as the low weakens slightly, although winds will still remain strong and gusty along the coast all weekend.
Waves exceeding five metres in the surf zone are possible for exposed coastal areas of the Illawarra and southern Sydney on Friday, with the largest waves expected from tonight.
This may produce localised damage and coastal erosion for these areas, with coastal areas exposed to a southerly swell most susceptible.
Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf-exposed areas, the BoM advises.
Dependent on the movement of the low, damaging Surf conditions may persist into the weekend, and may also extend to affect other parts of the New South Wales coastline over the weekend.
A separate warning for Hazardous Surf Conditions is also current for much of the New South Wales coast.
Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Bulli, Port Kembla, Kiama and Ulladulla.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
- Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
- Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
- 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.
- 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.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 am AEST Friday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
