Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales Coastal Hazard Warning for DAMAGING SURF for parts of Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast and Mid North Coast Forecast Districts. Issued at 10:34 pm Thursday, 26 March 2026. Damaging surf developing for central and southern coasts from Friday morning Weather Situation A vigorous coastal low is expected to develop offshore of the southern New South Wales coast on Friday, bringing gale to storm force southerly winds and very large, powerful seas. The low is expected to move slowly east into the Tasman Sea and weaken during Saturday evening. DAMAGING SURF for the following areas: Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra and South Coast DAMAGING SURF CONDITIONS which may lead to coastal erosion and localised damage to coastal infrastructure are likely between the NSW/VIC border and Seal Rocks late Friday morning, particularly for south facing beaches. Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas. Damaging surf conditions are expected to ease later on Saturday. Separate Severe Weather and Hazardous Surf Warnings are current at the time of issue. See https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts for details. Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Stockton, Terrigal/Wamberal, The Entrance, Sydney, Coogee, Cronulla, Bondi, Wollongong, Ulladulla and Eden. The State Emergency Service advises that people should: * Don't walk, ride or drive through flood water. * Keep clear of creeks and storm drains. * Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500. Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au). The next Coastal Hazard Warning will be issued by 5:00 am AEDT Friday. Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.