Respite from gloomy weather is finally on the way for Sydney, but not before it is battered by damaging winds and dangerous surf conditions.
Severe weather warnings for damaging winds, damaging surf and high tides were issued on Friday morning, covering much of the New South Wales coastline.
Sydney can look forward to three days of sunshine after the wind though, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting warm weather and little chance of rain from Sunday to Tuesday.
Monday’s forecast of zero rain will be a welcome reprieve for a city battered by storms and heavy rainfall for weeks.
But across Friday and Saturday, the bureau is warning that gusts of around 100km/h are possible from Newcastle all the way down to the South Coast.
Gusts measuring 102km/h were recorded at Murrurundi in the Upper Hunter region at 9.27pm on Thursday, while Cabramurra in the Snowy Mountains recorded a 98km/h wind gust at around 4am on Friday.
The winds could pose an increased risk, as soil saturated from days of rainfall could lead to gusts toppling trees and powerlines.
A hazardous surf warning has been issued for the entirety of the state’s coastline, with the BoM warning that waves in excess of five metres could persist into Saturday morning.
The bureau is urging people not to go near the water, saying Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong and Batemans Bay will all be affected.
The strong waves could also affect beachside properties, with the bureau warning of coastal erosion and localised damage also continuing into Saturday.
Dangar Falls near Dorrigo, NSW today. @abcnews
— Kemii (@kemiimaguire) March 30, 2022
📷 Captured by Philip Johnson. pic.twitter.com/sraQMvKrVt
A complex low in the Tasman Sea is combining with a strong high-pressure system that remains dominant over the Great Australian Bight to produce the dangerous conditions.
NSW police issued their own warning on Friday morning, saying Sydneysiders should stay out of the water and away from 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,” the NSW police force Marine Area Command said in the statement.
“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.”
The NSW State Emergency Services are urging people to be wary of the wind, to move their vehicles from under trees and to secure loose items around the house.
In a statement, the NSW SES said residents should avoid fallen power lines, and remain vigilant amid the dangerous conditions.
“Keep at least eight metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.”
“Trees that have been damaged by fire [from fallen power lines] are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall. Stay vigilant and monitor conditions.”
Flood warnings are still in place along the Wilsons River at Lismore, but it is expected to fall below moderate flood levels on Friday evening.
Waters are receding at Grafton, Ulmarra and Maclean, with flood waters also likely to drop, however the Orara River at Coutts Crossing is expected to remain above the moderate flood level throughout Friday.
