Private and public property was at imminent risk of collapse at several erosion hot spots on the Hunter coast on Friday afternoon.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Wind and rain driven by a deep low pressure system continued to wreak havoc from the Mid North Coast to the Central Coast.
Several more metres of sand was lost from the heavily eroded Stockton foreshore.
While emergency sandbagging stood up relatively well, some bags had come loose in the heavy swell.
"Fortunately we are moving towards our end goal, but it's hard to accept the current conditions when time has been available and yet we stand here looking at further devastation. Wonder where to now," Stockton resident Lucas Gresham said.
City of Newcastle said it was closely monitoring the conditions.
Roads blocks which were put in place earlier this week had been lifted, however, beach access remained closed.
Further south, residents in beachfront properties at Wamberal on the Central Coast were evacuated on Thursday night as their homes teetered on the edge of collapse.
A crane was brought in to place concrete blocks in front of the properties.
The Bureau of Meteorology said 7.8 metre high waves had been recorded at the beach.
"We have seen a large and powerful swell developing on NSW in the past three days, due to the deep low pressure system over the Tasman Sea," forecaster Bimal Kc said
Meanwhile, sections of The Boulevard opposite Jimmys Beach were also on the verge of collapsing.
MidCoast Council was dumping truckloads of sand on the beach on Friday to replenish sand lost after four days of relentless swell.
MidCoast Council coastal management coordinator Andrew Staniland the area was likely to be unsafe for some days.
"Council estimates around 40,000 cubic metres of sand will be needed to replenish Jimmys Beach, he said.
"Following the storm, we will review affected areas and undertake restorative work to ensure safety as required."
Jimmys Beach Preservation Association president Richard Streamer said conditions appeared to be improving on Friday afternoon.
"It's looking a bit better now; thankfully I'd say the worst has past," Mr Streamer said.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a hazardous surf warning for the NSW coast on Friday.
The bureau said the warning remained in place for Byron Coast, Coffs Coast, Macquarie Coast, Hunter Coast, Sydney Coast, Illawarra Coast, Batemans Coast and Eden Coast.
"Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming," it said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
