NSW Maritime has renewed its warning to boaters not to head offshore on Tuesday, May 9, with a severe weather warning remaining in place for the Mid North Coast and Lord Howe Island.
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The Bureau of Meteorology's evening forecast on Monday, May 8, included a gale warning for the Macquarie Coast, which stretches from Seal Rocks to Smoky Cape.
A low pressure system off the central parts of the coast is moving northeast, generating vigorous south to southwesterly winds and large, powerful waves.
Winds will gradually ease on Tuesday as the low moves away to the east and a high pressure ridge extends across the coastal waters from the west.
However, the bureau cautions that surf conditions may be more powerful than they appear.
In a video message, Acting NSW Maritime Executive Director Darren Wood urged boaters not to cross bars on the Mid North Coast until conditions eased.
Coastal boaters are also advised to check moorings and to secure items on board.
On Monday, a seven-metre catamaran was damaged after it broke from its mooring on the Parramatta River while a second vessel washed up at Callala Bay on the NSW South Coast after breaking its mooring in Jervis Bay.
Check the Bureau of Meteorology website for the latest warnings.
The Bureau of Meteorology and Marine Rescue NSW have issued warnings for strong winds and hazardous surf conditions on the Mid North Coast on Monday, May 8, as a low pressure system deepens.
A gale warning is now in effect for the Macquarie and Coffs coasts while storm force wind warnings are in place for the Hunter, Sydney, Illawarra, Batemans and Eden coasts. Southwesterly winds in those areas could reach up to 50 knots (92km/h) offshore.
Hazardous surf conditions are expected from the Byron to Eden coasts with wave heights of between five and six metres possible, particularly on south-facing parts of the coast.
These may be compounded by spring tides, which are tides that follow the full or new moon phase.
Heavy surf on the Mid North Coast may lead to localised damage. Coastal erosion is likely.
Boaters are being encouraged to play it safe and stay off the water in areas where warnings have been issued.
"Boaters planning to cross shallow waters and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage," Marine Rescue NSW Acting Deputy Commissioner Darren Schott said.
"Boaters already on the water should carry the appropriate safety equipment and always wear a lifejacket.
"[And] remember to log-on with Marine Rescue via the Marine rescue app or via their local radio base."
The Weather Bureau warns that beach conditions may be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf-exposed areas.
Warnings will be updated regularly and are available on the Bureau's website.
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Sue Stephenson
Sue is an award-winning journalist and academic, and Editor of the Port Macquarie News and Macleay Argus
Sue is an award-winning journalist and academic, and Editor of the Port Macquarie News and Macleay Argus
