The swell is building for this weekend with powerful waves to pound Sunshine Coast beaches.
Hazardous conditions developed on Thursday, and they’re expected to persist for a few days.
Winds also are expected to increase and could reach 20 (37km/h) to 30 knots (55km/h) into the weekend.
Meteorologist Livio Regano said the surf should be large, intense and messy.
“On Saturday, the swell will turn more southerly and be much bigger,” he said.
“It could get up to 5m offshore … a really big swell for people who take boats further out.
“At north facing beaches like Mooloolaba and Noosa, it (the surf) will probably be dumping pretty hard.”
“For east facing beaches like Sunshine and Peregian, it will be bigger.”
“There will be a roaring wind blowing along the Coast, so it will be messy.”
A high near southeastern Australia has combined with a low near New Zealand to generate the strong southerly wind and significant swell.
There should be a wave period of about 14 seconds.
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Mr Regano said a strong southerly swell generally didn’t pose as much danger as a large SE or E swell, but there was still come chance that beaches could be closed.
He expected surfers would be keen to at least have a look.
“They can do as they please as long as they heed the warnings.”
Surf Life Saving Queensland said some beaches should be open but beachgoers should be wary.
“We are expecting to see the swell on Sunshine Coast beaches increase on Friday afternoon into the weekend,” Sunshine Coast Chief Lifeguard Anthony King said.
“Given the southerly direction we expect not all beaches will be impacted by the large swell.
“If people are heading to the beach for a swim please follow lifeguards advice. If the beach is closed and red flag displayed make sure you stay out of the water.
“Surfers are also reminded to stay within their limits.”
The weekend should also include cool temperatures, as we near winter.
“There should be tops of around 20 degrees and it will be windy so that will increase the chill,” Mr Regano said.
