Bondi locals flee from massive wave as NSW coastline battered

Wild weather is battering the NSW coastline. One massive wave caught Bondi locals by surprise and forced them to flee.

The entire NSW coast line is being battered by severe surf and wild weather.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a hazardous surf warning for the entire state – from Byron Bay in the north to Eden in the south.

Swimmers, fishers and boaters have been urged to be careful in the water.

Waves of up to five metres were recorded along the coast on Sunday night, with similar surges recorded on Monday.

Large and powerful surf conditions smashed North Bondi. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Surfers took advantage of the wild conditions. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Footage obtained by the Nine Network shows huge waves washing over a footpath at Bondi Beach on Sunday night, prompting people to run for their safety.

A wave washes over the promenade at Bondi Beach. Picture: Channel 9

The huge swell – caused by strong winds generated by a low-pressure system over the Tasman Sea – has already caused some erosion and damage, with businesses along the coastline battening down their hatches on Monday morning.

Sydneysiders risked a splash to watch huge waves off the coastline roll in. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

The entire NSW coastline is on hazardous surf watch on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

The Bureau of Meteorology has told people to consider staying out of the water, and to avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.

“Hazardous surf conditions along the NSW coast, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island have been generated by a low pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea,” the warning said.

“Conditions in these areas could be dangerous so it’s important that people stay away from the surf.”

Despite the warning, some keen surfers braved the conditions. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Surf conditions at Bondi were not for the faint-hearted. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

“Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf,” the Bureau said.

“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.”

An abnormally high tide also prompted minor flood warnings for the Hastings River at Settlement Point on the NSW mid north coast near Port Macquarie.

The hazardous surf is expected to hang around until at least Tuesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone