Byron Bay’s main beach washed away in wild La Niña event

Authorities warned of beach erosion as a major storm with 5-meter waves, flash floods and dangerous winds hit parts of northern New South Wales and southeastern Queensland.

High tides have washed away the popular main sandy beach in Byron Bay as waves crash against the rocks, alongside a level footpath and road.

New South Wales volunteers from the Yamba and Maclean Unit prepared sandbags in advance and responded to requests for assistance, including roofing tarps, clearing trees from roads and laying sandbags, while rescuing drivers caught in the floods.

Surfers at Coffs Harbor and Kirra were photographed making the most of the big waves, despite warnings to Gold Coast residents to stay out of the water, as images from the Gold Coast Seaway show “dangerous surf conditions” , according to Surf Life Saving Queensland.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology predicted the storm to peak tonight through Monday morning, though dangerous weather is expected to continue through Tuesday as rain pushes river levels up, which could cause more flash floods.

Today’s abnormally high tides could also endanger homes, with those living on the shore warning of significant erosion.

Several flood warnings were issued, including one for the Tweed Tumbulgum River in New South Wales, which peaked at 1.5m at 10am, according to the meteorological office.

More heavy rains are forecast through Monday and further flooding is possible along the Tweed River.

Another flood warning has been issued for the Wilsons River in Lismore and minor flooding is expected overnight tonight and possible moderate flooding on Monday or Tuesday.

BOM meteorologist Jonathan How described last night’s rain as “relentless.”

He said nearly half a meter of rain had already fallen on Queensland’s Upper Springbrook, while 372mm had fallen on Currumbin Creek and 326mm had fallen on Limpinwood in New South Wales and more were to come.

Approximately 440mm of rain fell on the Gold Coast on Saturday, and is forecast to fall as much as 200mm on the North Coast and over Queensland.

“High tides and dangerous surf could lead to significant coastal erosion (and) … flooding is already occurring in some areas,” How said.

“The community needs to prepare for minor or major floods, so check for warnings and updates in the coming days.”

“The rain will continue through Sunday as a channel descends from the Coral Sea and another period of heavy falls will accumulate later in the day.

“However, the focus on the heaviest rain and the strongest winds will depend on when the low-pressure system forms off the coast.”

An additional 100-200mm is projected to fall over coastal areas today with isolated drops exceeding that amount.

Monday will be the “critical moment” for New South Wales as the trough moves further south and saturated rivers rise further.

By Tuesday, three-day totals of 300-600mm are forecast to fall across the region.

“This is the most significant rain event since February and the flooding will pose a risk to many people,” How said.

Severe weather advisories remain in place for New South Wales and Queensland as heavy rain, winds of up to 90 km / h and ocean waves surge from Sunday around the Sunshine Coast and extend into northeast New South Wales. later on Sunday and Monday.

A moderate to significant flood warning has been issued for the Bellinger River in NSW, and flood alerts are also up-to-date for the catchments from K’Gari Fraser Island to the Queensland-NSW border. , and for the Northern Rivers and Mid North regions of NSW.

The BOM also has concerns about flooding on Monday and Tuesday as river levels rise.

Some residents of the north coast of New South Wales were told to prepare to evacuate on Saturday morning, as high winds and heavy rain posed a “significant risk” of flash floods and storm surges.

NSW SES media officer Ilana Pender-Rose warned residents of NSW’s north coast of a second storm system after receiving 150 calls for help Friday night.

She said La Niña had mainly brought “a lot of rain” with no damaging winds on Friday and Saturday, but gusts of up to 90 km / h were forecast tonight around Ballina.

She said waves of up to five meters could also occur when the winds pick up.

“With the second system planned (starting Sunday night), we ask people to never drive, walk or go through flood waters,” Pender-Rose said.

Residents in affected areas are urged to keep up with the weather on the Bureau of Meteorology website.