Wild winds and surf in NSW to finally give way to reprieve from stormy weather

The bureau is urging people not to go near the water, saying Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong and Batemans Bay will all be affected. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

Respite from gloomy weather is finally on the way for Sydney, but not before it is battered by damaging winds and dangerous surf conditions.

Severe weather warnings for damaging winds, damaging surf and high tides were issued on Friday morning, covering much of the New South Wales coastline.