Wild winds and dangerous surf will batter the Queensland coastline after Tropical Cyclone Linda formed in the Coral Sea, although it's not expected to make landfall.
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The low-pressure system intensified into a category one system on Tuesday afternoon and four-metre waves are expected to lash the coast from today.
The cyclone was located about 880km northeast of Sandy Cape on Fraser Island and predicted to move southwest towards the coast over the next 24 hours.
Forecasters say it will weaken back into an intense tropical low by tomorrow morning before it tracks southeast out to sea.
Winds near the eye of the cyclone are expected to reach 65kph, with wind gusts of up to 95kph.
A severe weather warning remains in place for coastal areas in Wide Bay, Burnett and the southeast, stretching down to the NSW border.
FLASHBACK
While high tides could cause inundation in low-lying areas prone to flooding, BoM forecaster Lauren Pattie indicated heavy rainfall was unlikely because the system would remain "well offshore".
Beachgoers across Northern NSW are being urged to remain vigilant both in and around the water in coming days as a developing swell has prompted the Bureau of Meteorology and Surf Life Saving to issue a warning for hazardous surf conditions.
A warning has been issued for the coastline between Coffs Harbour and the Queensland border and is expected to be in place for at least the next 48 hours.
Swells peaking at over three metres have been forecast for tomorrow with beaches particularly across the Far North Coast likely to experience the full force of the conditions.
It is anticipated that the strong swell will continue into Friday as the full effects from the weather system travelling down the coast become clearer in coming days.
Currently only three beaches in the most northern part of the State are patrolled during the week with lifeguards from the Australian Lifeguard Service stationed at Byron Bay Main Beach, Kingscliff Main Beach, and Lennox Head.
A decision on whether they will be open will be made after an assessment of conditions, although with the deteriorating weather, lifesavers are encouraging people to stay out of the water where possible.
“This season we’ve had a number of tragic drownings at our beaches and many rescues involving people getting caught in rip currents, and all of these incidents are a sobering reminder of the power of the ocean,” said Far North Coast Duty Officer Jimmy Keough
“Please take note of the safety warnings and if you have any doubt whatsoever about your ability to handle the water it’s better not to go in,” he said.
