article_snippet.sent: The cyclone strength winds currently battering the NSW coast are being caused by an intense low-pressure system known as an East Coast Low.
article_snippet.sent: They are characterised by gales or storm force winds that can damage buildings, fell trees and powerlines, cause powerful surf that can damage the NSW coast and, in some cases, run ships aground.
article_snippet.sent: But this particular one is quite strong and close to the coast winds are up to 135kmh and rain up to 200mm.
article_snippet.sent: ’ East Coast Lows draw strong, moisture-laden winds across the NSW coast, which cause heavy rain to fall when They are uplifted by the hills and ranges that run parallel to the NSW coast.
article_snippet.sent: And a floodwater rescue operation is underway in Hunter area where there have been wind gusts of up to 125km/h - levels recorded in category two cyclones.
article_snippet.sent: A radar loop (left) and a cloud map (right) show the East Coast Low weather system causing gales and storm force winds .
article_snippet.sent: The SES is preparing for damaging winds to hit parts of NSW over the next two days .
article_snippet.sent: The Bureau of Meteorology has been issued for Sydney Closed Waters, the NSW Central Coast, Sydney Coast, Illawarra Coast, Batemans Coast and Eden Coast .
article_snippet.sent: Winds as powerful as a category two cyclones have lashed the Hunter region of New South Wales, with the SES is receiving 200 calls an hour as wild weather continues to hit large parts of the state .
article_snippet.sent: Rain and damaging winds averaging 55 to 70 km/h with gusts to about 100 km are forecast to develop along the coastal fringe of the Sydney Metropolitan, Hunter and Illawarra regions .
highlights_snippet.sent: They draw strong, moisture-laden winds across the coast, which cause heavy rain to fall .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: 'Close to the coast winds are up to 135kmh and rain up to 200mm,' weatherman Don White says .
  