Cyclone Oma: All Gold Coast beaches closed as waves cause havoc
Rushing water from large waves and king tides are beginning to cause havoc as Tropical Cyclone Oma makes its way closer to the Gold Coast. SEE THE VIDEO
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Rushing water from large waves and king tides are beginning to inundate coastal infrastructure and cause havoc as Tropical Cyclone Oma makes its way closer to the Gold Coast.
Footage captured by Gold Coast Bulletin photographer Adam Head reveals cars parked at the Currumbin Surf Life Saving Club coming dangerously close to being swept away by rogue waves.
The carpark is currently fenced off and closed however the cars have yet to be removed.
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It comes as all 34 beaches and two creeks on the Gold Coast will closed until Sunday due to thrashing winds from Tropical Cyclone Oma.
Queensland Surf Life Saving services co-ordinator Nathan Fife said although Cyclone Oma has moved off the Coast it is looking that it will move south today.
“All beaches will be closed until Sunday,” he said.
“Sunday night die off but cyclone Oma is very unpredictable.
“What we’ve been told is that is looking to go south and then heading north tomorrow.
Although the beaches are closed Surf Life Savers will still be operational at all beaches, but no extra staff will be working.
“There will be lifeguards every 600m on the Gold Coast and others on standby,” he said.
“There is also the emergency response team who will be on call.”
Most waterways are said it be dangerous and both Currumbin and Tallebudgera Creeks will also be closed due to a lot of strong water movement and large swell.
Over the weekend waves are expected to be about six foot with some reaching as high as eight foot.
Mr Fife has also warned surfers and kite surfers to think twice before entering water this weekend.
“Yesterday we saw kite surfers going in and with this kind of wind and swell we are warning them to please stay out of the water,” he said.
“Same for experienced surfers.
“We’ve already seen this morning at Currumbin Alley jet skis out towing … so please look after each other and stay staff.”
But if you’re thinking about hitting the beach for a swim, you may want to think otherwise as it could be a criminal offence.
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“We will ring authorise and QPS. If your being a public nuisance police will probably action that,” he said.
“We don’t want to risk our Surf Life Savers lives and that is why we are warning the public.
“Stay off beaches and stay behind the sandbanks.
“Come down and have a look but stay on solid ground and stay behind fences.”
All Surf Life Saving events and canivals including Nippers have been cancelled.
Rushing water and large waves have already inundated the Currumbin Surf Life Saving car park, with cars coming dangerously close to being swept away.