Mooloolaba Coast Guard warns of treacherous bar conditions

Residents are urged to prepare as Cyclone Alfred generates gale-force winds, hazardous swells, and abnormally high tides across the region. PHOTOS, VIDEOS.

Residents across the Sunshine Coast are bracing for more wild weather as Tropical Cyclone Alfred tracks southward, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf conditions.

Alfred, now a category 2 cyclone, is forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology to move roughly parallel to the Queensland coast on Sunday before weakening slightly and shifting southeast on Monday.

From Tuesday, the system is expected to slow down and could turn westward, heading back towards the southern Queensland coast.

A gale warning has been issued for the Sunshine Coast, with winds reaching 25-35 knots and swells between 3-5m, making for hazardous conditions at sea.

Cyclone Alfred tracking map. Residents across the Sunshine Coast are bracing for more wild weather as Tropical Cyclone Alfred tracks southward, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf conditions.

The Mooloolaba Coast Guard has advised boaters to exercise extreme caution, especially near low tide, as large swells continue to impact the entrance to the river.

A video posted to their Facebook page captured challenging conditions as a pilot boat navigated through the choppy surf, along with footage of large swells breaking across the entrance.

Authorities are urging residents to prepare for severe coastal hazards, including abnormally high tides and a large, powerful easterly swell that could cause dangerous surf and erosion.

The Sunshine Coast Regional Council has encouraged the community to check in on elderly family members, friends, and neighbours to ensure they have necessary supplies and support.

“We are not at a critical point yet, but it’s always good to be prepared,” the council statement said.

Sunday morning’s high tide surged up to the Caloundra Power Boat Club. Residents across the Sunshine Coast are bracing for more wild weather as Tropical Cyclone Alfred tracks southward, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf conditions. Photo: Facebook.

Potential impacts of the severe weather include:

Strong winds capable of bringing down trees and powerlines.

Power, phone, internet, and water service disruptions.

Heavy rainfall and storm surges leading to localised flooding.

Road closures due to fallen trees, powerlines, or floodwaters.

Erosion caused by high tides at Kings Beach. Residents across the Sunshine Coast are bracing for more wild weather as Tropical Cyclone Alfred tracks southward, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and dangerous surf conditions. Photo: Facebook.

Noosa Council has also issued warnings, urging residents to prepare their properties and remain informed as conditions evolve.

The SES has also set up a public sandbag pick-up point at its Caloundra Depot on Ulm St South.

For the latest weather updates and safety information, visit the BOM website www.bom.gov.au, Sunshine Coast Council Disaster Hub disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au, or Noosa Council Disaster Dashboard disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au. 

In case of emergencies, residents can contact the SES on 132 500.