Gale force winds intensify along Qld coast

Strong winds and high seas are intensifying along the Queensland coast.

A low pressure system off the coast of northern New South Wales is generating five-metre swells in parts of the south-east coast.

Weather bureau spokesman Craig Mitchell says three-metre waves are breaking on some Gold and Sunshine Coast beaches in south-east Queensland.

He says there are gale force winds offshore from Central Queensland to the far north.

"We do anticipate the winds to build along the coastal water zones from the Cooktown area down towards the Hervey Bay area," he said.

Mr Mitchell says people should be careful.

"I'd be asking for swimmers just to be a little bit cautious swimming in the surf," he said.

Sunshine Coast lifeguard Isaac Smith says conditions are deteriorating on open beaches.

"That strong south-south-east wind has kind of come up blowing around 20, 25, 30 knots, that's whipped up the swell".

Winds are expected to reach 80 kilometres an hour near Mackay today.

Areas near Cairns have received up to 70 millimetres of rain.

Justin Englert from State Emergency Service says workers in Mackay have already received 40 calls for help.

"I expect to get some more worried people reporting to us," he said.

The wild weather is expected to continue until tomorrow.

- ABC

© ABC 2008

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