Sydney gets a hammering

Sydney is copping a beating as the low pressure system off the east coast deepens today (September 3).

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a gale warning for the following marine areas: Sydney Closed Waters, Byron Coast, Coffs Coast, Macquarie Coast, Hunter Coast, Sydney Coast, Illawarra Coast, Batemans Coast and Eden Coast.

However, conditions are expected to moderate for tomorrow with the gale warning expected to be downgraded to a strong wind warning for Sydney Closed Waters, Byron Coast and Eden Coast.

The gale warning is expected to remain in force for the Coffs Coast, Macquarie Coast, Hunter Coast, Sydney Coast, Illawarra Coast and Batemans Coast.

The BoM also issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds and damaging surf for people in the Metropolitan, Mid North Coast, Hunter and Illawarra forecast districts.

The Bureau said a deep low pressure system lies over the western Tasman Sea, it is expected to move slowly to the east later today. A large pressure difference between this system and a high to the west will generate vigorous winds along the coastal fringe today and large seas.

Localised damaging winds averaging 65 km/h with gusts to 100 km/h along the coastal fringe of the Illawarra and Sydney Metropolitan, Hunter and southern Mid North Coast districts. The area around Port Stephens and Seal Rocks is expected to be particularly exposed. Winds are likely to ease slightly in the Illawarra and Sydney Metropolitan districts later this morning or early afternoon, with a more general easing expected late in the day.

Very heavy surf, which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion, is forecast for the Hunter and southern parts of the Mid North Coast during Wednesday. Beach conditions in these areas and for most of the remainder of the coast will be dangerous and people are advised to stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.

Randwick Council has pleaded with rock fishers and asked them to keep away after another fatality in the region last week, while boaters are being advised to keep well clear of open water. The gale warning in the enclosed waterways is rare and brings considerable danger for those contemplating casting the lines from Port Hacking to Pittwater. 

Wind gusts to 102 km/h have been reported from Wattamolla around 10:00 am. Not surer, boats will be blown from ill-maintained moorings.

Wind gusts reported: 96 km/h at Point Perpendicular at 1:30 am, 93 km/h at Little Bay (Sydney coast) at 3:20 am, 89 km/h at Molineux Point (Botany Bay) at 3:30 am, 85 km/h at Albion Park at 2:20 am.

The surf is rising and the horizon looks ferocious, with large rolling white horses out to sea. The wild weather will remain for some days yet. Stay away and play it safe.