High seas, falling trees: Big blow from big low set to lash state’s south-east coastline
Stay out of the surf and watch out for falling trees are key messages for Queenslanders bracing for wild weather.
South-east Queensland coastal communities are being warned of strong winds and high seas as a major low-pressure system approaches coast. (AAP Image/Darren England)
An unseasonal east coast low sitting off Queensland’s south-east coast is expected to generate pounding surf but will spare Queenslanders from any devastating rain bombs that have flooded properties and traumatised residents this year.
As the region woke to leaden skies on Thursday, Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach moved to calm frayed nerves ahead of the weather system intensifying through the day and into Friday.
Bureau of Meteorology forecasters are tipping scattered rainfall as high as 100 millimetres in central and southern parts of the state, which may cause local rivers to rise, bull will not produce severe flash flooding.
Leach warned that wind gusts as high as 90 kilometres an hour in some places on the coast and further inland could uproot trees from ground softened by previous downpours.
He said emergency service personnel were on alert and would be watching the weather system’s impact in an arc from K’gari (Fraser Island) to northern NSW.
Wild surf is expected to create the biggest hazard as the low develops and moves south, with wave heights of more than five metres possible.
“If you live in a coastal area that might be impacted, be aware that there might be a significant risk of coastal erosion,” Ryan said.
“Make the preparations and be informed.”
Surf Life Saving Australia is telling beachgoers to stay out of the water and well away from areas exposed to surf.
Ryan urged people to heed advice from the BOM and for motorists to drive to the conditions and re-think any beach plans.
“If you’re thinking about going to the beach over the next few days, reconsider what you might be doing,” he said.
“If you’re thinking about being on the water, maybe find an alternative.”
The BOM still has gale warnings in place for the Capricornia Coast, Fraser Island Coast and Sunshine Coast waters
It also has strong wind warnings for coastal areas near Townsville, Mackay, Hervey Bay, Moreton Bay and Gold Coast.
Damaging winds are developing about K’gari (Fraser Island), Moreton and Stradbroke Islands and the northern Sunshine Coast from Friday morning.
