Qld weather: High winds, intense rain building in southeast
Authorities are warning Queenslanders to prepare now with a savage low pressure system expected to unleash damaging winds and monster waves on coastal communities, as a new severe weather warning is issued. LATEST OBSERVATIONS
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Queenslanders are being urged to prioritise their safety with gale-force winds to lash parts of the state today as a savage low-pressure system builds off the coast.
Winds are expected to reach up to 120km/h across the Capricornia, Fraser Island and Sunshine Coast areas throughout Thursday with up to 80km/h winds affecting Townsville, Mackay, Hervey Bay, Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast.
Severe weather warnings have been issued for Wide Bay and Burnett and all South East Coast areas, with extremely damaging 90km/h winds expected to thrash K’gari, Moreton and Stradbroke Islands and the northern Sunshine Coast tonight and tomorrow.
Boaters and beach goers have been told to stay away from all Fraser Island, Sunshine and Gold Coast waters tomorrow due to dangerous surf conditions, with the system creating 4m swells and risk of erosion.
The system is expected to ease from Friday night, with windy conditions remaining about Stradbroke and Moreton Island until Saturday morning.
Very heavy surf is expected along the exposed Queensland coastline south of Sandy Cape from tonight into the weekend, which may cause damage and coastal erosion.
Significant wave heights exceeding four metres from an east to south-easterly direction are expected.
All Gold Coast beaches will be closed on Friday and Saturday.
No decision has been made for Sunshine Coast beaches, but on Thursday eight were closed because of the treacherous conditions.
Surf Life Saving Queensland said that they would continue to monitor conditions and close more beaches if necessary.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s David Grant said in a briefing on Thursday morning that flooding was not expected from the event.
“This system is expected to remain off shore and primarily cause peripheral wave and wind impacts to coastal areas,” he said.
“At this stage, a flood watch is not expected to be issued for this event and this will be regularly reviewed.”
Police, however, have warned motorists to exercise caution over the coming days.
“Road conditions can change rapidly when water is added to the mix, causing safe and familiar routes to be subject to incredibly dangerous conditions,” Assistant Police Commissioner Ben Marcus said.
“We usually see an increase in crashes in wet conditions, many of which could have been avoided by being aware of the conditions at the time.”
He warned that there was never a valid reason to drive into floodwaters.
“Driving into flood waters is an incredible risk, not only to your life as the driver, but also the lives of others including police and emergency services workers who are involved in rescues.”
“It’s not worth the risk. If it’s flooded, the safest and bravest thing to do is to forget about driving into floodwaters.”
Mr Grant urged Queenslanders to listen to weather warnings and monitor conditions in their area.
“Please keep informed, make appropriate responsible decisions and please, prioritise your safety.”
The system is also expected to bring similar conditions to northern NSW, as well as Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach said that Queenslanders should use today to prepare for the wild weather before it arrives.
He said the heavy rainfall across the southeast this year had made the ground weaker, and that falling trees were a real possibility, particularly given isolated gusts of 90km/h could make their way inland.
“Think about large trees around your property, think about where you park your car, think about loose items in your backyard and get yourself ready for the weather conditions we might see this weekend,” he said.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said that it was important that people listen to weather warnings.
“There are to be some weather impacts over the next few days and into the weekend from this unseasonal east coast low,” Mr Ryan said.
“There’s not expected to be intense, heavy rain across the region, but there are some impacts associated with waves, dangerous surf, coastal erosion and strong winds.”
Surf Life Saving Australia have also warned people to stay out of the water and “well away” from surf-exposed areas, and have urged coastal residents to monitor their properties for coastal erosion or inundation.
Gale warnings remain active for the Capricornia, Fraser Island, and Sunshine Coast waters, as does a strong wind warning for Townsville, Mackay, Hervey Bay, Moreton Bay, and Gold Coast waters.
Rainfall will intensify today and tomorrow, although according to the Bureau of Meteorology it's still too early to tell which areas will cop the worst of the drenching.
“It will be very wet, but we just can’t really confirm where that rain will actually fall,” meteorologist Helen Reid said.
The Sunshine Coast currently has the wettest forecast, with up to 45mm predicted to fall today and a further 50mm on Friday, while Brisbane could get 20mm today and 30mm tomorrow.
“The heaviest will be along the coast between the Sunshine Coast and the Whitsundays, so the Wide Bay area is really where you’re most likely to see the heaviest rain,” Ms Reid said.
But it won’t be enough to stop Deb Miles from walking her dog Miss Pepper along the Bribie Island coast.
“I love this crazy weather, I walk my dog no matter what, rain, wind, hail or shine, because she loves it,” she said.
A dangerous surf warning remains in place for Fraser Island and beachgoers and boaters have been told to steer clear of the water as offshore swells could reach up to 8m.
The wild weather system is expected to be short and fast, with Sunday’s forecast showing clear skies.
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