Malua Bay Beach was one of many NSW beaches where extreme conditions caused closures over Easter. Photo: Kim Treasure.
A low-pressure system pummelled the NSW coast over the Easter long weekend, resulting in a horror drowning toll.
Across Australia, six people drowned in incidents in several NSW locations and one at San Remo in Victoria, as severe swells battered the coast.
Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Jiwon Park said the conditions were triggered by a low-pressure system that was located off the western coast of New Zealand.
“Although that system was some 1000 kilometres away from the NSW coastline, it nevertheless produced powerful southeasterly swirls,” he told Region.
“That hit the NSW coast and resulted in hazardous conditions, large and powerful swells and, unfortunately, loss of life over the weekend.”
The toll included a 58-year-old man who was swept into the water at Wollongong Harbour in the Illawarra region at around 6:15 am on Good Friday (18 April).
Officers from Wollongong Police District tried to assist him, though he could not be revived.
Later that day, a rock fisherman drowned in a separate incident at Green Cape, near Eden.
Emergency services were called at about 3 pm, following reports that a man who had been fishing had been washed off rocks.
A short time later, a body was located in the water. The body is yet to be formally identified.
At about 8:15 am on Saturday (19 April), emergency services were called to Kianinny Bay (near Kangarutha Walking Track at Tathra), following reports that a rock fisherman was in the water.
Officers attached to South Coast Police District attended and searched for him in a multi-agency effort assisted by Marine Rescue, NSW Ambulance paramedics, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Surf Life Saving NSW and Marine Area Command, but were unsuccessful.
At about 10:40 am, a body was located in the water. While yet to be formally identified, police say it is believed to be that of the man.
Mr Park said the swells are expected to ease in the run-up to the Anzac Day long weekend, which is forecast to be cloudy and wet.
It is the result of another low-pressure system hovering over southeast NSW, bringing showers and possible storms to the NSW South Coast.
Mr Park said the rainfall is expected to hit the Illawarra and South Coast regions on Tuesday and Wednesday (22 April and 23 April) with between 10 and 40 millimetres, before the system moves southeast.
The South Coast and Southern Ranges had already seen “some decent rainfalls”, with Lake Conjola recording 100 millimetres in the 24 hours to 9 am on Tuesday (22 April).
“We are not anticipating riverine flooding, but some of the locations may get heavier falls with the slow-moving [system],” he said.
“That means localised flash flooding may be a risk.”
It will likely be a dry but cloudy start to Anzac Day. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
For those heading to the Australian War Memorial for Anzac commemorations, Mr Park said the forecast would be dry but cloudy for the morning’s dawn service.
“[There is a] slight chance of afternoon showers [on Friday]. Wet conditions are quite likely on Saturday,” he said.
“The weather will clear during the latter part of Sunday.”
Coastal communities are also being warned to bring a brolly on the weekend, with wet conditions to be expected as the system moves further southeast after Anzac Day.
“Currently, we are not anticipating a similar development to the low-pressure system over the Tasman or anything like the big seas we saw last weekend,” he said.
“On the other hand, coastal areas will be wet with some showers. It is something people should keep in mind when planning holidays during the long weekend.”
