The Illawarra coast has borne the brunt of a deep and complex low pressure system battering the NSW coastline, with Thirroul and other low lying areas particularly hard hit.
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Northern beachgoers arrived on Saturday morning to find masses of sand dumped along the promenade and at the door of the Thirroul Beach Pavilion cafe.
According the the Bureau of Meteorology, the low pressure system is bringing large southerly surf to exposed parts of the coast, and is expected to linger in the region over the next few days before slowly moving away to the east.
There will be damaging surf conditions, with waves exceeding five metres in the surf zone during Saturday.
"These conditions may produce localised damage and coastal erosion to these areas," the BOM warning said.
"Coastal areas exposed to a southerly swell will be most susceptible. Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas."
A separate warning for hazardous surf is also current for much of the New South Wales coast, including Wollongong, Bulli, Port Kembla, Kiama and Ulladulla.
The warning remains in place for the rest of the weekend.
NSW Police Force, Marine Area Command advise that:
- People should consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.
- Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf.
- Boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage.
- Boaters already on the water should carry the appropriate safety equipment and wear a lifejacket.
- Boaters should remember to log on with their local Marine Rescue radio base, via VHF Radio or the Marine Rescue APP, and consider their safety management plan.
Kate McIlwain
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
