Strong winds and damaging surf continue to batter the Mid North Coast.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Wings gusts up to 50 km/h were recorded at Taree Airport on Tuesday, July 14 with similar conditions felt in the Great Lakes.
This trend continued throughout the night and into Wednesday. Winds speeds have hovered around 30 km/h for the last few days.
Stronger sou-westerly winds were recorded at Port Macquarie throughout this week.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a damaging surf warning for the Mid North Coast, in particular Forster, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
The powerful seas are caused by a deep and slow-moving low pressure system centred over the Tasman Sea.
Offshore at Crowdy Head, peak waves exceeded nine metres this morning. Up to 10 metres were estimated elsewhere on the north coast.
Massive waves at Black Head Beach, Wallabi Point, Saltwater, Old Bar Beach, One Mile Beach and Burgess Beach kept surfers out of the water.
Conditions are set to ease from tomorrow, with the low weakening and moving away to the east. However, a hazardous surf warning is likely to remain in place.
The advice from NSW Police Force marine area command is:
- Stay out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas
- Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location sheltered from the surf
- Boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should change or delay trips while those already on the water need safety equipment and log on with local Marine Rescue radio base
Large waves were also recorded in Sydney. A search resumed this morning for a missing surfer who was last seen struggling in the surf at Coogee Beach. He was later confirmed safe by NSW Police.
MidCoast Council has kept a close eye on potential erosion at Jimmys Beach (Hawks Nest) and Old Bar Beach. Despite the size of the waves, the tides have been only moderate in size.
The State Emergency Service (SES) has urged residents to stay vigilant and monitor conditions.
These rough seas are unpredictable so people should stay off the beaches
- Gleen Laycock, SES Mid North Coast cluster local commander
SES Mid North Coast cluster local commander, Glenn Laycock, said crews only attended 10 jobs across the coast in recent days. These related to fallen trees and leaking roofs in Forster, Harrington, Camden Haven and Port Macquarie.
Crews are also keeping watch on the surging seas.
"These rough seas are unpredictable so people should stay off the beaches," Mr Laycock said.
Around the home, Mr Laycock encouraged all residents to tie down loose furniture and items and clean gutters in preparation for severe weather.
For emergency help in a flood or storm, contact the SES on 132 500.
In the past week, the highest downpours recorded in the Mid Coast area were at Bungwahl (33mm), Wootton (28mm), Krambach (24mm), Mooral Creek (19mm) and Gloucester (16.8mm).
Jumpers and coats have been a necessity, with daytime temperatures failing to exceed 17 degrees so far this week.
Thank you for valuing local journalism with your subscription. While you're with us, you can also receive updates straight to your inbox from the Great Lakes Advocate. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.
