Dangerous beach conditions expected on Thursday

With rough surf developing along the coast during Thursday, people on the Sunshine Coast are being urged to take extra care on the beaches and on the water.

Local Disaster Coordinator Andrew Ryan said large and powerful surf conditions would be hazardous for coastal activities such as boating, crossing coastal bars, and rock fishing.

“A low pressure system is developing off the coast of northern New South Wales and is expected to move towards Queensland coastal waters tonight and tomorrow,” Mr Ryan said.

“This will likely cause damaging wind gusts, possibly up to 90km per hour, in South East Queensland tonight and tomorrow.

“Southerly swells, between three to five metres offshore, will move northwards during Thursday and are expected to decrease later in the day.

“While we know many surfers have been waiting for big surf like this, these conditions really are only for very experienced surfers and as they have the potential to be very dangerous, we ask everyone to be careful.

“Some minor beach erosion is possible due to higher than normal tide levels tomorrow along the coast. Council will continue to monitor the situation until the severe weather system moves off the coast on Friday.

“Further information, advice and the latest warnings can be found on council’s Disaster Hub website, including all the information needed to be prepared before, during and after a severe weather event.”