Hazardous surf warnings remain in place for a huge stretch of the NSW coast today as residents begin cleaning up from the battering by wicked waves.

A low-pressure system in the southern Tasman Sea is generating large and powerful waves for parts of the NSW coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology says very heavy surf may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion along the coast between Jervis Bay, south of Sydney, and Seal Rocks on the Mid North Coast.

A wave height of 6m was recorded off Eden on the NSW South Coast yesterday as many coastal areas were pounded. 

Those conditions caught many people out, with people on Sydney’s coastal suburbs ignoring closed beaches and coastal walks.

At at Dolls Point in the city’s south, rough waters sent broken pavements and sand into front yards. SES workers were called in to help with sandbagging defences for properties.

The bureau today issued a hazardous surf warning for the Sydney, Byron, Coffs, Macquarie, Hunter, Illawarra, Batemans and Eden coasts.

There is also a marine wind warning for lllawarra, Batemans and Eden coasts.

“Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming in the following areas,” it said.

NSW Police Marine Area Command is urging people to staying out of the sea and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.

Sailors crossing shallow water and ocean bars should consider changing or delaying their voyage.

Boats already on the water should carry the appropriate safety equipment, including lifejackets. Crews should log on with their local Marine Rescue radio base.

The damaging surf conditions are expected to ease this afternoon.