Tropical cyclone Seth whips up hazardous surf

The category one cyclone is currently sitting approximately 630 kilometres off the coast of Hervey Bay and is tracking south at 41 kilometres per hour.

While it is not predicted to make landfall, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned of abnormally high tides and hazardous surf.

Areas that may be affected include the Gold Coast, Maroochydore, Coolangatta, Moreton Island, Noosa Heads, Caloundra, North Stradbroke Island, Rainbow Beach and Redcliffe.

Tropical cyclone Seth is expected to slow down and turn to the south west this afternoon, heading toward the coast.

“Cyclones are unpredictable and we are monitoring this one very closely,” Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy said today.

“What we are expecting to see is very high tides on the coast in our low-lying areas, potentially some flooding as a result of those high tides, and some severe weather action on the coast with respect to waves and damaging surf.”

Mr Chelepy warned beachgoers to be mindful of the high-tides and potential rips.

“As always, our disaster management systems stand ready to support Queensland if that cyclone should take an unexpected turn,” he said.

Waves of up to three metres have been predicted.

The following beaches on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts have already been closed:

Surf Life Saving Queensland have pleaded with holidaymakers and locals to steer clear of closed stretches of coastline.

“Please follow lifesavers and lifeguards’ advice by not swimming at a closed beach.”

Residents are warned not to drive into floodwaters if water levels do rise.

“We saw some really unnecessary deaths last year as a result of that and we would like to start the New Year in a more responsible and healthy way,” Mr Chelepy said.

Tropical cyclone Seth is predicted to lose its severity to a subtropical cyclone by Monday.