LATEST @ 9.45 AM | A severe weather warning for damaging winds has been issued for the Gold Coast.
There’s fears hinterland hotspots like Springbrook and Lamington National Park could be lashed by wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres an hour.
“A deep low pressure system offshore is driving a strong southerly airstream over the southeast of the state,” the Bureau of Meteorology warned.
“Winds will increase over the elevated terrain of the Border Ranges after sunset as they become trapped beneath a developing inversion”.
Authorities have warned falling trees are a risk due to the soft soil from recent rain, with the worst of the wild weather expected to hit from later this afternoon.
“Damaging winds averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are likely after sunset and overnight along the elevated peaks of the Border Ranges,” BOM said.
Damaging wind gusts up to 90 km/h are a slight possibility this afternoon. These winds will continue into early tomorrow morning before easing around sunrise”.
The system is also whipping up monster surf, with a separate coastal hazard warning in place.
“Damaging surf conditions which may lead to coastal erosion and localised damage to coastal infrastructure are possible between Cape Moreton and Point Danger from this morning, particularly for south to southeast facing beaches,”
“Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas”.
EARLIER @ 6AM | A wild weather system is whipping up dangerous conditions along the Gold Coast today, with authorities warning beachgoers to stay out of the surf as powerful swells and gale-force winds lash the coastline.
A developing low-pressure system in the Tasman Sea is drifting north, generating damaging surf conditions across South East Queensland waters.
Massive waves and rough seas are expected throughout today and into tonight, with coastal erosion also possible on our already-battered beaches.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned the Gold Coast, Coolangatta, Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island are all in the firing line as the system intensifies offshore.
People are being urged to stay well away from the surf and avoid coastal activities such as swimming, boating and rock fishing.
A Gale Wind Warning also remains in place for Gold Coast Waters with strong winds expected to create dangerous conditions both on and off the water.
The conditions are expected to ease during Saturday morning as the Tasman low weakens and moves away from the Queensland coast.
