Aussie authorities on alert as swell generated by ex-Cyclone Winston batters coast

Australia's east coast is on high alert for dangerous surf and hot conditions in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Winston that devastated Fiji.

Despite a change of season only days away, summer conditions are continuing for eastern Australia with New South Wales state experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching over 40 degrees Celsius.

A cooler change is expected on Friday, however summer temperatures are due to return mid next week with the soaring temperatures putting local authorities on high alert as Australians flock to the coastline to cool off.

Dangerous surf conditions generated from ex-Tropical Cyclone Winston, which killed 42 people and destroyed countless buildings when it struck Fiji at the weekend, are battering the east coast with large swells, tidal surges and strong currents, forcing beach closures in Queensland state and New South Wales state.

"There is quite a bit of water moving around... and we're even advising people to stay away from the water's edge," Gold Coast acting chief lifeguard Chris Maynard told local media.

Australia's surfers are embracing the conditions however, with the conditions bringing some of the best waves the coastline has experienced over the summer period.

Organizers of the Australian Open of Surfing, due to kick off on Sydney's iconic Manly Beach on Saturday, would be pleased as its the first time the competition has had large swell for the professional surfing competitors.

The contest, used as a warm up for the Gold Coast's Quicksilver Pro, first round of the World Surf League's Championship Tour - runs from Feb. 27 until March 6 showing Australian and international music acts and both professional surfing and skateboarding competitions. Endit