Ex Tropical Cyclone Tam is bringing huge surf into our coastline with waves expected to surpass four metres (13 foot), and even bring (smaller) ‘surfable’ waves into our harbour beaches on Good Friday (updated footage incorporated into story)
The swell was already well and truly building by Wednesday afternoon, as Tim Marshall from @shoreshotphotos captured above at North Narrabeen (main image).
Weatherzone says the “fully fledged extratropical Tasman Low” has started to build the waves already coming into the east coast.
“Wave heights will increase rapidly overnight into Friday, April 18, as the swell muscles into the NSW coastline. Much of Friday will feature hazardous surf conditions, with the swell expected to peak around 4 to 4.5 metres in the afternoon, with swell periods of around 14 to 15 seconds.
With Friday a public holiday (Good Friday), and forecast as clear and sunny, the dangerous swell is likely to keep our local guards and surf life saving teams extremely busy.
Ocean beaches will be unruly with powerful surf and strong rips, but even usually sheltered harbour beaches could see surges of water and surprisingly large and powerful waves at times, Weatherzone says.
The Bureau of Meteorology has formally issued a hazardous surf warning for both Thursday and Friday, stating conditions will be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming.
NSW Police Force, Marine Area Command advise that:
- People should consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.
- Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf.
- Boaters planning to cross shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage.
- Boaters already on the water should carry the appropriate safety equipment and wear a lifejacket.
- Boaters should remember to log on with their local Marine Rescue radio base, via VHF Radio or the Marine Rescue APP, and consider their safety management plan.’
Surfing channels are considerably more upbeat about the long-weekend prospects, with Surfline telling its readers Friday will offer solid to extra large surf likely to be “big everywhere – approach with caution”.
“Exposed and open breaks are likely to be 3-4x overhead. Deep water reefs probably more,” they report, adding that it will be cleanest in the morning.
