VIA – ABC AUSTRALIA
Huge swells close Queensland beaches
Updated December 25, 2011 16:44:55
Photo: Heavy swells batter Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast on Christmas Day. (AAP: Ben Beaden)
Huge swells have forced the closure of beaches on Queensland’s Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
The weather bureau has issued a severe weather warning for dangerous surf and abnormally high tides from Fraser Island to the New South Wales border.
Senior forecaster Peter Otto says ex-Tropical Cyclone Fina, off Fraser Island, is whipping up large swells.
“Looks like swells of three to four metres on parts of the south-east coast,” he said.
The swells have prompted lifeguards to close beaches on the Gold and Sunshine Coast.
The Gold Coast’s chief lifeguard, Warren Young, says people should not go into the water.
“There’s too much swell and it’s too dangerous,” he said.
“We just ask people to be patient. It’ll be alright this afternoon for some beach cricket.”
Mr Young says even experienced surfers need to be careful.
“It’s a very rough swell and we’d ask people even experienced surfers to really work out the risk and gain before they go in and err on the side of caution,” he said.
“It’s really not for general public at all.”
The bureau says this morning’s high tide could be up to a metre above normal.
Mr Otto says the conditions will continue tomorrow.
“We’ll see waves easing off progressively during Tuesday and
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