Huge surf, gale force winds set to smash NSW beaches

Huge surf and gale force winds are set to smash the NSW coast on Tuesday with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing warnings for the entire state’s coastline.

Huge surf and gale force winds are set to smash the NSW coast on Tuesday with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issuing warnings for the entire state’s coastline, and surf life savers expecting hundreds of beach closures.

Just weeks after Cyclone Alfred wrought havoc on the coast of Northern NSW and Queensland, gale force winds and huge swells are expected to hit beaches up and down the state.

Spectators get wet as the East Coast swell hits Bronte Beach. Photo Jeremy Piper

With hazardous surf warnings in place from the southmost point of NSW to Newcastle, and set to extend north to the rest of the coastline on Tuesday, NSW Police Marine Area Command are urging people to “stay out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas”.

Police also advised rock fishers to “avoid coastal rock platforms … and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf”, while boaters “should consider changing or delaying their voyage”.

BOM forecasts are predicting winds of up to 35 knots on Tuesday, with four metre waves set to batter Sydney’s northern beaches.

East Coast swell hits Bronte Beach. Photo Jeremy Piper

“Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as crossing bars by boat and rock fishing,” the BOM said.

“A low pressure system is deepening in the Tasman Sea east of the Illawarra bringing vigorous south to south-easterly winds and large waves to the southern and central coastal waters.”

NSW Surf Life Savers (SLSNSW) similarly issued warnings to beachgoers, urging them to avoid entering the water and taking unnecessary risks.

SLSNSW CEO, Steve Pearce said the last month had been “truly testing” for volunteers and lifeguards.

BOM forecasts are predicting winds of up to 35 knots on Tuesday, with four metre waves set to batter Sydney’s northern beaches. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

“And it appears that conditions are going to continue to impact safety along our coastline over the next few days,” he said.

“Please, whatever you do, follow the advice of our lifeguards this week if you’re planning a trip to the beach.”

Surf Life Savers expect hundreds of beaches across the state to be closed due to severe conditions.

Bronte Beach. Photo Jeremy Piper

Ryan Timperley, 34, and Ebony Rand, 37, down from Townsville for the week said it was great to get a swim in despite the conditions.

“The water was a great temperature its quite cool seeing the big swell with water coming over the side,” he said.

Ebony Randall and Ryan Timperley enjoy a quick swim at Bronte pool braving the huge swell. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

“I’ve been surfing my whole life and we’re both super confident swimmers … I think in the baths its still relatively safe so.”

Wind and surf conditions are expected to gradually ease as the system moves east in the coming days.

Originally published as Huge surf, gale force winds set to smash NSW beaches