Hazardous surf and minor flooding warnings have been issued for the Mid Coast ahead of a weekend of wild weather.
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The forecast for today (Friday, February 7), the weekend and early next week has prompted a hazardous surf warning, marine wind warning, and severe weather alert for most of the east coast while a minor flooding warning has been issued for the Manning and Gloucester Rivers.
Surf Life Saving NSW has urged those wanting to partake in rock fishing, boating, surfing and swimming activities during this time to reconsider.
Surf Life Saving NSW lifesaving director Joel Wiseman said conditions across the weekend will be very dangerous.
"We urge members of the public not to engage in risky coastal activities. If people put themselves in danger in these extreme conditions, there's a real chance that lifesavers will not be able to save them," Mr Wiseman said.
Residents are advised to stay 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.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast significant rain which will impact water quality.
"The forecast weather pattern will produce high winds, damaging surf with significant wave height and widespread substantial rainfall. It will create extremely dangerous conditions for swimmers, surfers, rock fishers and boaters," Mr Wiseman said.
"Surf Life Saving NSW is anticipating that many NSW beaches will be closed due to dangerous surf conditions. If lifesavers and lifeguards haven't put the red and yellow flags up, the beach is not safe for swimming."
A low pressure trough has deepened in the area, with rainfall expected to shift southwards from the Mid North Coast this afternoon (February 7).
There is also a threat of coastal inundation, erosion and flooding in low-lying areas, with strong 20 to 30 knot winds and sea swells up to five metres expected.
Additional Surf Life Saving NSW duty officers and surf rescue assets will be on standby.
Widespread beach closures, at the discretion of volunteer surf lifesavers and council lifeguards, are anticipated for the weekend.
Sport across the area, such as cricket matches and the Lower North Coast Branch championships, look set to be impacted by the conditions.
Visit beachsafe.org.au or download the Beachsafe app to find patrolled locations and up-to-date beach conditions.
Meanwhile, sandbags and sand is available for residents in need at the Taree State Emergency Service headquarters on Muldoon Street.