Power-packed winds the equivalent of a cyclone and possible flooding from a tidal surge are predicted for the Sunshine Coast late Sunday and early Monday as a low pressure system storms into the state’s southeast.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a gale warning for Coast waters and warns of dangerous surf conditions that will make it hazardous for activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
South to southeasterly winds are expected to stiffen from 30 knots (55km/h) to 40 knots (74km/h) with the possibility of squalls to 50 knots (92km/h), a similar strength to a Category One cyclone.
The swell is expected to rise from 2-3m to 3-5m during Sunday and up to 120mm of rain will fall.
The Bureau said abnormally high tides caused by the storm surge could produce flooding to low lying coastal areas. Monday will have its biggest high about 7.40am and Tuesday 8.30am.
“It’s looking like some locations could see a month’s worth of rainfall, particularly on Sunday night, within a 12 to 18-hour period,” meteorologist Rosa Hoff told AAP.
Significant beach erosion in coastal areas is also possible into Tuesday when a new-moon king tide is forecast.
The 1000km-long mass of cold air set to deliver the rain moved east over the Great Dividing Range late on Friday and it started bucketing down.
The rain will give way to just a shower or two on Tuesday, the winds will swing northeasterly and the swell will drop to 2.3m.
Surfers retreated to protected spots to make the most of conditions.
The rising wind was good news for kite surfers and windsurfers and sunshinecoastnews.com.au captured some enjoying the challenging conditions at Dicky Beach, partially shielded from the swell and southerlies by Moffat Headland and the Dicky reef.
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Surf Life Saving Queensland’s regional manager and sunshinecoastnews.com.au columnist, Aaron Purchase, said the next few days would be extremely dangerous for any coastal activities and beaches would most likely be closed.
Mr Purchase said only the most experienced surfers should venture out and they would stick to the most protected points at Noosa and perhaps Pt Cartwright.
“Given this is the is the first big swell to hit the Coast for some time, surfers will be keen to get out amongst the waves,” he said.
“However, make sure that you understand your capabilities and stick within these.”
Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) also is urging people in the southeast to prepare for wild weather.
A flood watch and a severe weather warning has been issued for the coast from Fraser Island to the New South Wales border.
MSQ general manager Angus Mitchell told ABC Radio people should reconsider going on the water and prepare anchored boats.
“Not only is the trough bringing a lot of rain, we could potentially get up to a metre beyond what is normally the highest astronomical tide,” he said.
“That does a number of things – one it increases the potential for flooding in low-lying areas, but it also puts a lot of debris in the water.”
Surf Life Saving Queensland’s Lifesaving Services Manager Peta Lawlor is urging all visitors, both local and interstate, to remain watchful of their children when visiting Queensland beaches.
“Our lifesavers and lifeguards do a terrific job patrolling Queensland beaches but it is important to remember they are not babysitters,” she said.
“Our advice when visiting the beach is to swim at patrolled locations between the red and yellow flags; keep a watchful eye on children at all times and have them within an arm’s reach.
“We want all families to enjoy a safe and happy school holiday period.”
