Tropical cyclone Gabrielle has officially formed in the coral sea off the Queensland coast, but we’re being assured it will remain well offshore.
Dangerous surf conditions are expected to hit the east coast, including the Gold Coast, as the system continues to track to the south.
Gabrielle is predicted to track southeast from Thursday before strengthening further in the day to become a severe category three tropical cyclone.
The Bureau has issued a Hazardous Surf Warning for Capricornia Coast, Fraser Island Coast, Sunshine Coast Waters and Gold Coast Waters.
IMAGE: BOM
“A direct tropical cyclone impact or landfall is not expected for the Queensland coast,” the Bureau says.
“However, exposed east coastal areas may experience large waves and fresh to strong winds with the passing of this system, particularly during Thursday and Friday.”
Gold Coast beaches may be closed later in the week, depending on how dangerous the swell gets.
Meantime it’s a very nervous wait for those in Norfolk Island who are in the firing line, with the cyclone forecast to track near the island over the weekend.
