Warnings for NSW residents as huge swells, surf hit coast

Residents in one state are being urged to brace for harsh conditions, with strong winds whipping up dangerous surfs and impacting transport.

Sydney ferry services have continued to be impacted by a large swell on Thursday morning.

The F1 service between Circular Quay and Manly was not running for close to two hours, with Transport NSW saying it was due to both the conditions and a mechanical issue with the vessel.

F1 Manly ferry stopped running on Thursday morning. Picture NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Emerald class ferries are still not running between Circular Quay and Manly due to the swell, which the Bureau of Meteorology reports reached 3m on Thursday.

Passengers are advised to continue to allow extra travel time, listen to announcements and check information displays for service updates.

The Manly Ferry will not run this morning as huge swells around the Sydney Harbour batter boating conditions.

A marine wind warning was issued for NSW at 5.50am on Thursday.

Strong winds are predicted for parts of Sydney, Byron Coast, Coffs Coast, Macquarie Coast, Hunter Coast, Sydney Coast, Illawarra Coast, Batemans Coast and Eden Coast.

The warnings will remain in effect until at least midnight on Thursday.

Surfers at Bondi Beach made the most of the massive swells and king tides battering parts of the NSW east coast. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued hazardous surf warnings for parts of the state’s coast. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

A hazardous surf warning has also been issued for NSW, with the Bureau warning the surf and swell conditions could make any activities on the coast dangerous.

The warnings extend to the Coffs, Macquarie, Hunter, Sydney, and Illawarra coastal regions on Thursday.

The Byron Coast is in the warning zone for Friday.

This comes amid several weather warnings for NSW.

Police are also urging residents to stay vigilant.

“People should consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas,” a statement from the marine area command read.

“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.”

The hazardous conditions are forecast to continue into Friday in some areas. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Those already on the water are being reminded to carry the appropriate safety equipment and wear a lifejacket, and to keep radio communications open.

Coastal areas of the state have been smashed by rain in the past several days, with a 90 per cent chance of rain again predicted for the Sydney area on Thursday.

Coastal fringe areas will be lashed the most, and a chance of thunderstorm is possible.

The Manly Ferry was also cancelled last month as swells reached a huge 6m in height, leaving commuters stranded in northern Sydney.

Originally published as Warnings for NSW residents as huge swells, surf hit coast