Huge swells off the coast of the Hunter, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie should subside in the coming days, after a week of treacherous conditions that have caused the closure of many of the region's patrolled beaches.
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Social media has been flooded with images of big seas at Merewether, Nobbys, Fingal Bay and other beaches, with surfers testing their skills against waves that experienced board riders say don't often appear off the Hunter coast.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast a two-to-three metre swell for the Hunter’s coastal waters until midnight on Thursday, expected to drop to 1.5 to two metres on Friday.
BoM duty forecaster Stephen Stefanavac told Fairfax Media that a deep low pressure system over the Tasman Sea earlier this week created strong wind gusts, which generated large waves.
Mr Stefanavac said the largest waves off the NSW coast this week - more than five metres high - were recorded at Crowdy Head, north of Forster.
"Since then, we've seen a gradual easing, though surf conditions have still been hazardous - hazardous for swimming, crossing bars in boats and rock fishing," he said.
"Today we still have hazardous surf conditions for parts of the NSW coast but it looks like it's on its way out now."
Mr Stefanavac said the position of some of the Hunter's beaches, like Stockton and Newcastle, meant they were exposed to swells that came from the south and were "a little more prone to these hazardous surf conditions".
Most patrolled beaches between Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens were closed again on Thursday.
Stockton Beach and Blacksmith Beach were both open.
Nobbys Beach lifeguard Paul Bernard said people should be careful in the coming days, when the beaches re-open.
“The message for the next few days, once this swell goes down there will be a lot of sand shifted around, exposing rips – there will be tricky conditions,” he said.
“Swim at patrolled beaches and swim between the flags. We’re going to have some surf.”
Authorities advise that:
- People should consider staying 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 that is sheltered from the surf;
- 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;
- Boaters should remember to log on with their local Marine Rescue radio base, via VHF Radio or the Marine Rescue APP, and consider their safety management plan.
Nick Bielby
Nick Bielby is a crime reporter who has been with the Newcastle Herald since 2017.
Nick Bielby is a crime reporter who has been with the Newcastle Herald since 2017.
