Qld weather: Huge waves as cyclone Gabrielle swell hits coasts

Three-metre swells generated by Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle are set to smash South East Queensland while Norfolk Island has been put on ‘red alert’ as the storm fast approaches.

Residents of Norfolk Island have been urged to take shelter after authorities issued a red alert ahead as cyclone Gabrielle storms towards the Australian outpost.

The cyclone was reclassified as a category 2 storm as it made its approach to the tourist island on Saturday morning.

Those who cannot bunker down have been encouraged to relocate, if safe to do so, at an emergency shelter at Rawson Hall and stay inside until an all clear signal is sent via the SMS blast system.

The eye of the cyclone is expected to pass through the island at around 9pm, the Bureau of Meteorology said, bringing with it wind gusts of up to 155km/h and heavy waves.

Meanwhile, South East Queensland beaches are on alert, with a hazardous surf warning issued about 3pm Friday for areas from Fraser Island to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

Beachgoers were advised to stay out of the water and away from rocks, and boaties were urged to take extra safety precautions if heading out to sea.

Norfolk Island residents are bracing for wild weather as Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle approaches. Picture: Liz Hewson/Facebook

Rough seas have been caused by Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle, which formed off the coast of Cairns on Wednesday and is now moving away from the coast towards Norfolk Island, producing wind gusts up to 185km/h.

Large, powerful swells are expected to affect all beaches from the Capricornia Coast down to Tweed Heads and Kingscliff in New South Wales, with most places expecting between 20 and 30 knot winds.

Wild seas at Currumbin on the Gold Coast on Friday. Picture: Nigell Hallett

Surf Life Saving Queensland spokesman said it was vital beachgoers check for beach closures and conditions before heading to their favourite sandy spot.

“Our lifesavers and lifeguards are prepared for the severe weather warning issued which is expected to cause very unstable surf conditions along the exposed southern Queensland coast,” he said.

A hazardous surf warning has been issued for beaches along Fraser Island and the Sunshine and Gold coasts. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“If you are planning a trip to the beach this weekend, we recommend checking the BeachSafe App first to see if the beach is open and what the conditions are like.

“It is vital to listen to the lifesavers and lifeguards on duty and if the beach is closed to please stay out of the water.

Norfolk Island is expecting winds of up to 110km/h. Picture: Liz Hewson/Facebook

“The only safe place to swim is in between the red and yellow flags, and that is particularly important this weekend with large swell and unstable conditions expected.”

Sky Weather meteorologist Rob Sharpe said the conditions would provide a good opportunity for keen surfers.

“Those waves will be fairly large and the winds on Saturday morning will be favourable for surfing,” Mr Sharpe said.

“That’s probably the best opportunity for experienced surfers to enjoy some bigger waves.”

Winds are forecast to change from southerly and south-easterly to northerly and north-westerly on Sunday.