Sydney is on high alert as a powerful storm system advances north, promising a weekend of intense rainfall and treacherous surf along much of the New South Wales coastline.

After enduring a scorching heatwave last weekend, Sydney is poised for a dramatic weather shift, anticipating its wettest weekend of the season with forecasts predicting up to 20mm of rain on both Saturday and Sunday.

This morning, areas within Sydney and Wollongong have already experienced significant rainfall, signaling the storm’s strength.

Authorities have issued a hazardous surf warning, advising the public to avoid entering the water over the weekend due to the perilous ocean conditions expected along the coast.

For further details: Beaches in NSW face dangerous surf as region readies for a rainy weekend

The Bureau of Meteorology warned that surf and swell conditions are expected to be a hazard for coastal activities, including rock fishing, boating, and swimming

The warning has been issued for the Sydney coast, Illawarra Coast, Batemans Coast, and Eden Coast.

"People should consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas," the NSW Police Force's Marine Area Command said.

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Rockfishers are also being advised to avoid coastal platforms by the ocean and to find a safe spot that is sheltered from the dangerous surf conditions.

The weather comes as large parts of Victoria were faced with devastating flash flooding that has left hundreds of people displaced, and large stretches of the Great Ocean Road remain closed. 

More to come.