Wild, wild world lashes out on east coast

Australia has copped a lashing from wild rain and wind from an intense­ low-pressure system off the southeastern corner.

Thrillseekers Jasper Langley, left, Bailey Spitzer and Harrison Podvinec, all aged 14, take on the big swell at Collaroy ocean pool on Tuesday. Picture: Jane Dempster

Australia has copped a lashing from wild rain and wind as an intense­ low-pressure system off the coast of the country’s southeastern corner promises to bring forceful gusts and huge swells for the remainder of the week.

Sydneysiders woke up to a wet and windy Tuesday as the Tasman low dropped a huge downpour on NSW, with up to 100mm of rain falling on the south coast and about 85cm of snow in the Alps, while those on the Queensland border shivered their way through the coldest day for the southeast.

The Manly ferry encounters huge swells off North Head. Picture: David Jones

The NSW Rural Fire Service has issued a warning to motorists in alpine areas to keep an eye out for road closures and to take care while driving.

The Bureau of Meteorology‘s Diana Eadie said the first of the deluge hit on Monday as the low began to intensify. However, as it moves away, gale-force winds, rain and dangerous surf is still expected to affect coastal areas.

“Large and powerful waves may develop in central parts, making­ conditions dangerous in the water and on the beaches,’’ she said. “These big waves will extend to much of the NSW coast and offshore southeast Queensland.”

A fallen tree at Pitt Street, Randwick, in Sydney’s east. Picture: Richard Dobson