Corellas go wild in Sydney as fierce winds bash coastline and Mid North Coast braces minor flooding

Flocks of corellas are flying mad as strong coastal winds bash Sydney’s shoreline, while “abnormal” high tides trigger a minor flood warning. Here’s the latest on NSW’s wild weather.

Flocks of corellas are flying mad as strong, gale force winds lash the east coast, threatening “abnormal” high tides while the state recovers from recent deluge.

A low pressure system in the Tasman Sea could trigger large waves and “abnormal high tides” this week.

By Tuesday evening, it is possible that high tide will lead to minor flooding of around 1.2m along the Hastings River at Settlement Point on the Mid North Coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned that low lying areas next to watercourses may become inundated, leading to roads closures and low level bridges becoming submerged.

“We have possible abnormal high tides because it is the spring tides coming up at the end of this week,” BOM meteorologist Morgan Pumpa said.

Surfers tackle the swell at Bronte. Picture: John Grainger

“It’s the combination of the high tide with possible hazardous, large waves (that) we could see some minor flooding … this evening.

“If you are planning coastal activity, monitor the conditions.”

Corellas have swamped the playground at Bronte. Picture: John Grainger

A gale wind warning remains in place for Sydney, Coffs, Macquarie, Illawarra, Batemans and Eden Coast, while strong winds are affecting the Byron and Hunter Coast.

An emerging cold front is bringing cooler temperatures, which are expected to drop to around six to eight degrees across Sydney in the morning, while coastal showers could return on Thursday.

On a brighter note, pleasant conditions and sunshine will set the mood for the rest of the week and into the weekend with tops of high-teens across the city.

“The first half of the weekend, we’re expecting a high pressure ridge over the nsw state, which will bring clearer skies,” Ms Pumpa said.

Early morning surfers made the most of the swell at Bronte. Picture: John Grainger

Metres-high waves are still pounding the Sydney coastline at Bronte. Picture: John Grainger

“Cooler temperatures at the surface will be felt (with) light winds. We’re seeing cooler temperatures because we don’t have much cloud cover.”

Meanwhile, a gigantic sinkhole has become the stuff of nightmares for Richmond Lowlands homeowners after it devoured parts of their house on Monday.

The sinkhole developed as a result of the recent torrential rainfall and floods that have bombarded the state, consequently swallowing sections of the home that borders the Hawkesbury River.

The residents are among thousands that have the daunting task of another post-flood clean up following last week’s wild weather disaster.

A house along the Hawkesbury River has been partially swallowed by a sink hole. Picture: 7 News

Authorities have roped off the Richmond Lowlands property. Picture: 7 News

The wild weather has claimed a life and seriously injured two others along the NSW coastline as relentless waves and wind continue to eat into our beaches.

A rock fisherman was swept out to sea at the popular Wollongong Harbour and despite a constable’s heroic efforts, the 73-year-old could not be saved and died at the scene.

“The actions of the young constable were heroic,” Acting Inspector Kelly Zorn said.

“Thank goodness he could swim well. It was quite a feat given the huge swell, he didn’t hesitate to go in to help.”

Wave height dropped overnight on Sydney’s coast but it was still ferocious at Bronte on Tuesday. Picture: John Grainger

This comes as two people narrowly avoided death after being swept off a break wall at Newcastle’s Nobbys Beach.

The victims, a man in his 50s and woman in her 40s, were able to clamber their way up the rocks to safety but sustained serious injuries.

Inspector Jake Broughton-Rouse said the incident should be a warning to locals as the hazardous surf conditions will continue along the coast.

“This is a reminder for people to remain safe and vigilant around the water, especially when there are dangerous surf conditions,” he said.

Bigs swells generated by an east coast low uncovered large rocks at the south end of Coogee beach. Picture: John Grainger

Shifting sands at the northern end of Maroubra beach have exposed a rocky canyon. Picture: John Grainger

“Our patients today are extremely lucky to be alive.”

The recent east coast low that bombarded the state’s coastline with heavy rains, floods and rough swells are leaving some popular Sydney beaches almost unrecognisable.

Sand from Coogee Beach was pushed onto the boardwalk and uncovered never before seen rocks in the southern corner of the bay and pylons from the historic pier that were controversially removed by the local council.

Coogee local and member of the surf club, Phil Kite, said it’s not uncommon for Coogee to lose sand during the colder seasons but had never seen it so severe.

Surfers make the most of the storm swell at Deadman’s on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

“We normally have those winter storms that mess up the beach and move the sand around but I’ve never seen those rocks in the south exposed like that.”

Randwick City Council’s Facebook page was filled with messages after they posted an update on the storm-affected beaches, among them was Anthony Grech who wasn’t surprised to see the rocks.

“Where the sand dunes once were, nature doing its thing.”

A similar course of events is taking place at the neighbouring Maroubra beach, where the once sand-smothered north end is now a rocky canyon.

Surfers faced the dangerous swell at Deadman’s despite BOM warnings. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

But the problem extends past Sydney’s eastern beaches, with Cronulla experiencing problems of its own.

The Sutherland Shire Council will use a crane to remove the North Cronulla lifeguard tower which is on the brink of falling over after the beach was washed away in big swell and tides over the weekend.

Earlier on Monday, daring surfers ignored weather warnings by tackling the dangerous swell at Sydney’s most notorious surf spot – Deadman’s – near Manly Beach.

Several boards were scattered among the massive swell that has thrashed the east coast over the weekend and is expected to continue until Tuesday.

Originally published as Corellas go wild in Sydney as fierce winds bash coastline and Mid North Coast braces minor flooding