Surfers have been making the most of the high tides in the South Pacific this week. But beachgoers in northern New South Wales are being warned of dangerous surf and strong winds this weekend. This is because Cyclone Oma is currently tracking off the Queensland coast.
A severe weather warning has been issued from Tweed Heads to Coffs Harbour this weekend.
A hazardous surf warning is also in place along the coastline from the Hunter and Tweed Heads.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the cyclone will cause high winds, high tides and damaging surf.
But the cyclone will not get too close to land and will remain offshore.
Will cyclone hit Australia today?
The Australian coastlines may feel some impact from the cyclone towards the end of next week.
The storm will linger in the waters of the Coral Sea, between Australia and New Caledonia, this weekend.
People living along the coast of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales should stay alert, according to Accuweather.
Coastal flooding may occur in Port Macquarie in New South Wales.
Areas such as Fraser Island, in Queensland, could also be hit with coastal flooding.
This is due to a strong onshore flow driving higher tides onto the coast over the next couple of days.
The seas will therefore be dangerous for boaters and surfers until the storm passes.
Bruce Gunn, who is a forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology, said on Friday: “We will certainly continue to keep a close eye on this cyclone, until it no longer poses a threat.
“The main impacts are damaging winds along the coastal fringe and big seas, well into next week.
“We’re observing waves of three to four metres along the Sunshine, Gold and Tweed coasts with offshore waves in excess of 10 metres.
“These are expected to increase during the weekend.”