Beaches in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are closed today due to an intense, powerful swell.
The swell caused by a strong southerly and a high and low system coming to meet has created massive waves, rough conditions and unpredictable currents.
"The seas are really really big and are pounding all up and down the coastline creating very dangerous conditions for rock fishers, stay right away from it at the moment. Believe me, the Coop is a much better option at the moment.," said Hunter Surf Life Saving President Henry Scruton.
"Stay away from the ocean at the moment, it looks spectacular but it's certainly not the place to be swimming or surfing in. It's massive swells, lots of wave action and a lot of underwater currents."
Newcastle City Council lifeguards are asking everyone to heed the beach closures and stay out of the water today and until the conditions significantly ease.
"Definitely not swimming weather at the moment, we realise it is school holidays, but those who do need to have a swim, stick to the indoor baths and the pools. The seas at the moment are very large and very very cranky," said Henry Scruton.
He also said it could be three or four more days before the surf clams down.
All Newcastle beaches, including Stockton Beach, as well as Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths, are CLOSED again today due to dangerous conditions and very rough surf. The large swell is even more powerful and dangerous than yesterday's conditions. https://t.co/qxqIraQhdh— City of Newcastle (@CityNewcastle) January 16, 2018
