Powerful Waves Smash Sydney Shores as Storm System Creates Hazardous Conditions

Massive swells whipped up by a low-pressure system off the east coast of Australia battered Sydney’s coastline on July 15.

Waves peaked at a height of 11.6 metres on the night of July 14, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The hazardous surf warning issued for the Wednesday was due to continue until Thursday, July 16.

The storm system known as an “east coast low” by the weather bureau frequently occurs during autumn and winter and is one of the more dangerous weather events to affect the coast.

Video posted to Twitter by Dr Natali Pearson shows an ocean pool at Maroubra in Sydney’s east being swallowed by frequent large waves. Credit: Dr Natali Pearson via Storyful