Forecasters warned of strong winds averaging about 60 kilometres per hour could batter the coastal fringes, including the Newcastle and Hunter coast, on Sunday as a strong cold front moved northwards from the Illawarra on Saturday evening.
Gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour were in the forecast for the later half of the weekend as the Bureau of Meteorology tipped a southerly change along the exposed corners of the coast.
"Winds are expected to weaken below warning thresholds from the south and ease throughout by late Sunday afternoon or evening," forecasters said in a warning statement issued on Saturday afternoon, September 14.
The prospect of heavy surf could cause localised damage and erosion from Batemans Bay to Seal Rocks, the Bureau warned, adding that damaging surf conditions are forecast to develop south of Sydney during Sunday morning then extend northward during the afternoon.
"Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf-exposed areas, particularly south-facing coastlines," forecasters said.
South facing beaches at Newcastle and Stockton, as well as long the Sydney and Illawarra coasts were in line to bear the brunt of the change.
The details of this report are developing. It may be updated.
