Large waves and gale force winds are threatening parts of Australia's east coast today. A complex low pressure system over the Tasman Sea is combining with a high centred over southern New South Wales to produce a steep pressure gradient along the eastern seaboard today. This is resulting in strong to gale force winds, dangerous surf and showers along parts of the coast. A Gale Warning is in place for the Byron Coast today and Strong Wind Warnings extend south to the Hunter Coast and north to Queensland's Capricornia District, excluding Hervey Bay. As of 9am today, wind gusts had reached 65km/h at Cape Byron and 69km/h at Double Island Point. Significant wave heights were exceeding four metres at Coffs Harbour and maximum wave heights had reached just over 7.5 metres at 8am. The windy weather is taking its toll on apparent temperatures too. In Byron Bay, 15 degrees at 7am was feeling more like 12 degrees thanks to southwesterly wind gusts reaching nearly 60 km/h. Closer to the low itself, wind gusts have reached 100km/h on Lord Howe Island this morning. A severe weather warning has been issued for damaging winds and surf on the island today. The low will slowly weaken and move away from Australia's east coast during the next few days, allowing winds and waves to progressively ease from tomorrow.