NON-ESSENTIAL travel to and from the bay islands should be avoided through to Sunday as Tropical Cyclone Oma tracks toward the Queensland coast, says Redland City mayor Karen Williams.
Cr Williams said island residents should equip themselves with an emergency kit and supplies as passenger and vehicle ferry services are expected to be limited during high winds.
Stradbroke Ferries will operate a reduced timetable, subject to change, pending conditions from Thursday afternoon until Sunday.
Cr Williams, who is chairwoman of the Local Disaster Management Group, said people should also heed beach closures and the advice of surf life savers and emergency agencies.
North Stradbroke Island's main beach had been closed due to dangerous conditions on Thursday morning.
Redland City Council provides updates and information on preparing for emergency weather events via their Disaster Dashboard at disaster.redland.qld.gov.au.
Cr Williams said all residents should take precautions against the bad weather, with rain, very strong winds and large swells, coupled with kind tides expected.
"While there is no need for panic, it is important that we all take steps to be ready should the weather take a turn for the worse – clean your gutters, secure loose items around your yard, check in on your neighbours and have an emergency plan," Cr Williams said.
In a warning issued late on Wednesday, Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said some parts of the south-east coast were experiencing dangerous and damaging surf and lifeguards and lifesavers were on full alert.
"Erosion is a problem along several beaches, and the expected high tides and rough seas mean some may need to be closed," Mr Crawford said.
"If that's the case the safest thing to do is stay away."
For the latest weather warnings, visit the Bureau of Meteorology.
For storm and flood emergency assistance, call the SES on 132 500.
In a life-threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).
