WILD WEEKEND ON THE HORIZON

JUMP on a surfboard or hide undercover – these are the two options for Gold Coasters as rains and pumping 2m waves move in on the city in coming days.

Thunderstorms and up to 90mm of rain could hit the Glitter Strip this weekend according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

With rains expected across much for the state until Friday, Sky News chief meteorologist Tom Saunders said some areas could receive the biggest drenching since Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

“For many cities and towns this will be the heaviest rain since Tropical Cyclone Debbie in early autumn,” Mr Saunders said.

Surf forecasting website Coastalwatch expects some “major swell” up to 2m to hit beaches on Monday.

The south-easterly trade wind swell is being heralded as a “season opener” for the Gold Coast’s summer surf season.

“There’s some major swell and wind on forecast next week,” said chief forecaster Ben Macartney.

Picture: GLENN HAMPSON Gold Coast City lifeguard Michael Saal offers Brisbane visitors Gemma Turner, 19, and Jack Dickson, 19, shelter from the elements at Burleigh under his board.