Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan and Illawarra Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:27 am Wednesday, 21 July 2021.

HIGH WINDS, WAVES AND TIDES TODAY

A low pressure system is deepening over the Tasman Sea while a high is moving into western New South Wales. Vigorous southerly winds are occurring between these systems, especially along the coast, where they are generating large waves.

DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with gusts in excess of 90 km/h, are possible along the coastal fringe between Jervis Bay and Forster this morning and afternoon.

DAMAGING SURF, with wave heights exceeding 5 metres in the surf zone, may lead to localised coastal erosion between Jervis Bay and Port Macquarie today, especially in areas with a more southerly aspect. Beach conditions in these areas are likely to be dangerous, and people should stay well away from the surf and surf-exposed areas.

ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES, which may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas, are possible between Jervis Bay and Port Macquarie around the high tide early this evening. In some areas water levels could exceed the highest tide of the year by 50cm.

Locations which may be affected include Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, Kiama and Huskisson.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.