The Bureau of Meteorology has today issued a severe weather warning for abnormally high tides and damaging surf right along the NSW coast.
The warning, for the Sydney Metropolitan area, as well as parts of the northern rivers, mid-north coast, Hunter, Illawarra and South Coast districts, was issued just before noon.
The bureau says there will be large, powerful waves and abnormally high tides along the NSW coast.
More to come.
Earlier
The Cronulla-Bundeena ferry service has been cancelled on Friday due to forecast high swells and gale force winds.
The ferry's operator Cronulla & National Park Ferry Cruises made the decision to cancel all Friday services Thursday afternoon, before deciding to reinstate the 5.30am service if the swell permits.
All school services have also been cancelled, with replacement buses organised.
The operators said a decision on the Saturday service would be made once they know more about the swell and conditions.
It comes as the Bureau of Meteorology issued a gale warning for the Sydney coast for Friday.
Seas are expected to be 1.5 metres, increasing to 2.5 to 3 metres during the morning, then increasing to 3 to 4 metres around noon.
A southerly swell of up to 2.5 metres, will increase to up to 3.5 metres during the morning, before peaking at 4 to 6 metres in the afternoon.
A hazardous surf warning has also been issued for NSW.
"Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as crossing bars by boat and rock fishing," the bureau said.
The bureau said a vigorous south to south-westerly airstream has developed along the NSW coast in the wake of a cold front associated with a low pressure system near New Zealand.
It will bring strong to gale force southerly winds and a powerful southerly swell, which is expected to generate hazardous and damaging surf conditions across all waters throughout the weekend.
NSW Police Force Marine Area Command has issued the following safety advice:
- 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.
