One-in-50-year coastal storm batters NSW with 100km/h winds and 11m swells, cripples transport and halts rescue response capacity

A rare one-in-50-year coastal event has lashed New South Wales with destructive winds and towering surf, prompting urgent warnings for residents to stay out of the water as authorities brace for conditions that could overwhelm rescue operations along the state’s coastline.

Overnight, the coastal low unleashed winds of up to 100km/h and generated swells reaching 11 metres, as a coastal hazard warning remained in force along a broad stretch from Forster to beyond Eden.

Dangerous surf, powerful winds and colder temperatures are expected to persist through the day, with the hazardous surf warning remaining in place.


According to 9 News website, Brent Manieri from Surf Lifesaving NSW said, "Our concern is that those conditions that we are predicting may exceed our ability to safely respond and affect a rescue.”

The system is expected to gradually weaken as it moves slowly east into the Tasman Sea, the Bureau of Meteorology said.

"Wind gusts can be 40 per cent stronger than the forecast, and even stronger in squalls and thunderstorms," the bureau said. "Maximum waves can be twice the forecast height."

Despite forecasts of easing conditions, close to 100 flights to and from Sydney Airport were cancelled overnight.

Ferry services between Manly and Circular Quay have been suspended due to rough conditions. More than 40 flights were cancelled overnight in Melbourne as the system disrupted travel.