But a new study of the history books shows it was just one of many wild weather episodes that have struck the region over the past two centuries.

It seems plenty more of the same may be in store over the next few decades as a new severe storm cycle phase begins to take hold.

The forecast follows the publication of the recently completed Griffith University study Severe storms on the east coast of Australia 1770-2008.

The study discusses about 230 storms and gales that have struck the Hunter Region.

"History shows us that many schooners ran into trouble between Seal Rocks and Newcastle," Peter Helman, senior research fellow at the university's Centre for Coastal Management, said.

"The interesting thing about that part of the coast is it's where the currents coming down from the north meet the southerly weather patterns."

Analysis of the records shows stormy periods have happened in 30-year cycles, on average.

"We have been able to map clear cycles and trends in storm seasons and droughts over two centuries," Dr Helman said.

He said the historical records combined with the latest weather indicators suggested storms would become more frequent in coming decades.

"The next few decades are likely to be quite different to what we have seen in the recent past," Dr Helman said.

"We have seen sea levels rise but there hasn't been the energy to express itself in terms of coastal erosion. That's going to change."

Topping the list of the most devastating Hunter storms and gales of the past 200 years are the east coast lows of June 1950, the Maitland floods of February 1955, the Sygna storm of May 1974 and last year's Pasha blow.