Authorities warn a tidal wave may hit Bali as tourists are encouraged to stay out of the water

Severe weather warnings have been issued for a popular holiday destination as tourists are urged to stay out of the water.

Tourists have been warned to stay out of the water over concerns a tidal wave could hit a popular beach destination.

The Bali Denpasar Center for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics issued severe weather warnings for Bali last week, with high wave alerts a cause for concern.

Tourists are encouraged to stay out of the water until conditions clear up, with “moderate to heavy rain” and “lightning and strong winds” expected.

Authorities have warned a tidal wave may hit Bali as tourists are encouraged to stay out of the water. Picture: Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP

Travellers should also be on the lookout for falling trees, flooding and landslides.

Videos have circulated online sharing the intense conditions, with one showing waves crashing through the windshields of a boat travelling from the Gili Islands to Penida Islands.

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The Head of UPT Balawista Kuta I, Ketut Ipel, predicted last week that conditions would remain until March 25 and 26.

“Thursday’s wave was quite large, even reaching land; we from Balawista are taking preventive steps and are more alert to anticipate things that we don’t want,” he told local media.

“We always urge beach visitors to obey the signs that we have installed in places that are prone to sea accidents. I predict conditions like this will last until Purnama Kedasa (full moon on 25 and 26 March). Maybe that will be the highlight. But hopefully not.”