The temporary sea wall held up against the raging ocean, protecting the old council rubbish tip site.

EARLIER REPORT JUNE 4: DAMAGING surf was expected to pound Stockton beach on Tuesday night after a day of wild weather across the Hunter and NSW coast.

With a high tide at 9pm, there were fears the beach was set to take a battering similar to the destruction caused in fierce weather events over the past few years.

Hunter Water contractors building a temporary sea wall at the old council rubbish tip site were forced to build two large sand bunds in an effort to protect the works.

They also added more sand bags at the southern end of the site to shelter the $2.24 million project.

"Crews have been monitoring the site throughout the day, and will continue to do so over the coming days, to ensure it remains safe," a Hunter Water spokeswoman said on Tuesday, adding that work on the 100-metre sand container sea wall was about 80 per cent complete and on track to be finished by the end of the month.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued repeat severe weather warnings about the potential for coastal erosion.

"An intense Tasman low and an associated cold front will produce strong and gusty winds along the coast and adjacent ranges," it said in a warning on Tuesday.

"These winds will whip up heavy surf conditions, making coastal activities dangerous, and bringing the potential for coastal erosion."

The BOM had predicted a peak swell of about seven metres on Tuesday afternoon and was forecasting southerly waves of three to five metres on Wednesday, decreasing to two to three metres about midday.

City of Newcastle took no chances and closed off access to the Mitchell Street seawall and northern access to Stockton beach at Stone Street at 1pm on Tuesday.

It said rising water levels would be monitored over the next 24 hours and staff were closely watching Shortland Esplanade and promenades along city beaches, ocean baths at Merewether and Newcastle and other low-lying roads.

Residents were urged to limit travel and to stay safe moving around the city.

Surf Life Saving NSW later put all of its call-out teams on standby during the dangerous surf conditions.

Snow had settled on Barrington Tops early in the morning and the area was predicted to receive falls again on Wednesday.

About three centimetres of snow fell by 9am on Tuesday, more than the first sprinkling on May 10.

Those planning to head to the national park in the conditions were reminded to stay safe.

"Visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing extreme weather including rain, wind and sub-zero temperatures," Destination Barrington Coast said.

"Pack additional warm clothing and extra food and water and always tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back."

Temperatures dropped below ten degrees across the region on Tuesday, including a low of four in Singleton, 5.9 in Cessnock and 7.3 in Newcastle.

About 25mm of rain fell over Newcastle between 9am and 6pm.

A similar amount was expected on Wednesday, but almost no rain was set to reach the Upper Hunter.