Cyclone Seth brings high tides and damaging surf to Mid North Coast

Ex-tropical Cyclone Seth is impacting beaches on the Mid-North Coast with authorities warning boaters, swimmers and fishers to weigh up the risk before entering the water.

Ex-tropical Cyclone Seth is impacting beaches along the Mid-North Coast prompting warnings to weigh up the risk before getting in the water.

The system, which is forecast to adopt a west to north-westerly track and approach the Queensland coast from Tuesday, is generating increasing sea levels and swell.

Conditions remain too hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating and swimming in the local area, authorities say.

The Bureau Of Meterology is warning these conditions will coincide with an astronomical peak in high tides over the coming days, resulting in damaging surf and winds, unsafe swimming conditions and possible coastal erosion.

South West Rocks has been affected by the big surf. Picture: Bec Kemp

Another section of South West Rocks on Monday. Picture: Bec Kemp

Residents along the Mid-North Coast have taken to social media with striking pictures showing the impact on beaches and waterways.

Port Macquarie to South West Rocks, Grassy Head to Yamba, and everywhere in between have felt the flow-on impacts of the coastal cyclone.

NSW Police Force and Marine Area Command have advised people to consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.

They also ask anyone looking to go fishing avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean, and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf.

There has been massive surf at Yamba. Picture: Sharon Cosgrove (Shutter Clix Photography)

Boaters who plan to cross shallow water and ocean bars are advised to consider changing or delaying their voyage, and those already on the water should be wearing a lifejacket and carrying the appropriate safety equipment.

Surf Lifesaving NSW offered similar advice, cautioning anyone exploring rocky coastlines.

“If you’re approaching a rock shelf, whether it be for fishing or sightseeing, you need to be extremely careful,” an Surf Life Sacing NSW spokesperson told the Mid-North Coast News.

“Spend a considerable amount of time weighing up the safest option, before risking it,” the spokesperson said.

“Right now, the majority of beaches across the NSW coast are closed.

Grassy Head has also been impacted. Picture: Suellen Tisdell

Flynn‘s Beach at Port Macquarie has also experienced high tides, as shown in this photo from Monday, January 3. Picture: Penny Kraemer

“But I expect we’ll be able to venture back to our local beaches by the weekend.

“And, if you’re unsure if it’s safe to surf or swim, check out our Beachsafe app.

“The app features 180+ patrolled NSW beaches, with all the latest information locals and tourists need.

“And, if you’re still not sure, your local lifesavers can provide more guidance so feel free to ask them.”

Hyland Park, Nambucca Heads’ 2 metre tide on Monday. Picture: Zoe Baxter

The public statement released by BOM on Tuesday advised that low-lying areas north of Seal Rocks may be impacted by the abnormally high tides and possible sea water flooding.

“Water levels could reach or exceed the highest tide of the year by at least 0.1 metres during this morning’s high tide, and possibly on Wednesday morning,” it read.

“An easing easterly swell is combining with strong to gale-force winds to generate deep water wave heights at or above 5 metres in northern waters.”