If there were any doubts that winter had arrived, the severe weather that was predicted to lash the Hunter this week would put them to rest.
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But in good news for Bluewater Country Music Festival attendees, the wild, windy weather was due to ease in time for the long weekend.
A severe weather warning was issued for a majority of east coast areas on Monday, which was extended into Tuesday.
An intense Tasman low and associated cold front was forecast to produce strong and gusty winds averaging 60 to 70km/h.
The severe winds were set to whip up heavy surf conditions, making coastal activities dangerous. Wave heights of 5 metres or more were expected.
However, the winds were expected to ease on Tuesday night as the low and front moved away from the NSW cost, but the heavy surf will remain until the first half of Wednesday.
Showers were expected to continue in Port Stephens until Friday.
The NSW Bureau of Meteorology was predicting possible showers for Saturday, but just cloudy skies on Sunday and Monday.
Temperature-wise, the BOM was predicting temperatures in to top out around 19-21 degrees and dip to the 12-13 degree mark.
