Surfing great Mick Fanning injured in Cyclone Alfred waves

Three-time world champ Mick Fanning was among the surfers that couldn’t resist the cyclone waves, although he came off second best.

Mick Fanning couldn’t pass up the chance to ride some of the powerful waves being generated by Cyclone Alfred.

But the surfing great came off second best after taking on one of the huge waves, posting a photo on Instagram showing the stitches he needed in the side of his head.

Watch the World Surf League Tour LIVE and FREE on Kayo Freebies. Register free now, no credit card required.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is making its way towards Australia’s east coast, with the category 2 weather event set to make landfall between midnight Thursday and the early hours of Friday morning AEDT.

There are widespread fears over flooding, damaging to destructive winds, a storm surge and coastal inundation in large areas of Queensland and NSW.

As is often the case in extreme coastal weather events, however, surfers struggle to turn down the opportunity to capitalise on the major swell generated.

Catch Fanning surfing the waves in the video player below

Mick Fanning in the surf and showing off his injury on Instagram.

He is one of Australia’s greatest ever surfers. Photo: Association of Surfing Professionals.

Despite beaches being closed along long stretches of the coastline, waves upwards of three metres have been spotted in recent days and Fanning was among huge scores of surfers paddling out.

Fanning is a great of Australian surfing, claiming three world titles in his outstanding Hall of Fame career.

The 43-year-old Gold Coast resident is also a six-time Australian male surfer of the year, but even he met his match taking on the cyclonic waves.

Fanning posted a photo of a wound just behind his left eye with the caption: “Couple of stitches to go with a couple tubes. Good to go again haha.”

The Aussie great and some of his fellow surfers might want to stay out of the ocean in the coming days, with massive surf expected as Alfred makes landfall.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has deployed the Australian Defence Force to help tackle the cyclone, urged those in Alfred’s path to “prepare” and “take this seriously”.

“This is a serious weather event, with heavy rain, destructive winds and major flooding expected,” he said.

“To everyone in the warning zone, please stay informed, follow advice from emergency services, and take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your family safe.”

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner also issued a firm warning to residents to stay indoors for at least the next 48 hours, saying now “is not the opportunity for curiosity”.

Originally published as Surfing great Mick Fanning injured in Cyclone Alfred waves