Coastal communities from Central Queensland south to the New South Wales border are being warned to expect some dangerous coastal conditions and possible flooding from Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred, as the Category Three system moves closer to the mainland.
While there is increasing confidence TC Alfred will stay offshore for the next few days, some severe weather impacts will still be felt due to the system's proximity to the coast.
This could include coastal erosion, large and powerful swells, hazardous surf, with high tides expected to increase over the weekend and continue into early next week.
At this stage, TC Alfred is expected to turn southwest towards the Queensland coast on Saturday, before tracking southeast away from the coast during Sunday.
During this time, the watch area extends from Seventeen Seventy to the New South Wales-Queensland border.
As Alfred tracks closer to Queensland, a large and powerful easterly swell and abnormally high tides are forecast to develop about exposed central Queensland beaches from today, extending to the New South Wales-Queensland border from Saturday.
These high tides could lead to minor flooding and coastal erosion.
State Disaster Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy is urging Queenslanders to avoid risky behaviour such as swimming at closed beaches or surfing amongst the powerful swells.
"People should avoid swimming and surfing at beaches along these watch zones, or walking near surf-exposed areas, to avoid being caught in dangerous conditions," Deputy Commissioner Chelepy said.
"Keep up to date with all beach closures and listen to the advice of authorities.
"Residents and visitors on island communities are also asked to monitor the system and stay up to date with warnings, as there will be significant impacts to these coastal areas.
"Now is not the time to be complacent, as we starting to feel these powerful impacts from the cyclone tracking closer to the mainland."
Visit your Disaster Dashboard for localised information.
For assistance with a life-threatening situation phone Triple Zero (000) immediately.
For assistance with non-life-threatening situations - such as help with a damaged roof or storm damage - phone SES on 132 500.
Keep up to date with the latest weather advice at Queensland Warnings Summary (bom.gov.au).
