Weather News

Giant swell to Australia's south

Rob Sharpe, Tuesday May 3, 2016 - 12:42 AEST

The roaring forties are whipping up a monster swell in the Great Australian Bight, lashing Victoria and Tasmania.

Wave heights are increasing along the VIC and TAS coasts today, with a peak in swell energy on Wednesday. Significant wave heights as large as eight metres are likely just off Tasmaniaâ??s west coast.

A powerful cold front is attached to a low close to Antarctica and is crossing the southeastern states today, producing damaging winds. Another front is following close behind, meaning that winds will turn northwesterly again on Wednesday. They will initially be light, becoming fresh later.

The most experienced surfers are chomping at the bit to hit the surf tomorrow, particularly on the Victorian Surf Coast. Waves at Bells Beach and Winki Pop will be 6-8ft, with occasional 10ft waves. They will be barrelling nicely due to the northwesterly winds opposing the southwesterly swell. However it must be stressed that it will be very dangerous in the water and most people should enjoy the view from dry ground.

The swell will remain quite large for much of this week due to the vast fetch generating the swell and the series of fronts following behind. However Wednesday will be the biggest and most dangerous day on the water.

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2016

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