Destructive winds churn 5 metre waves at Lord Howe Island

A powerful low pressure system is spinning over the Tasman Sea with its centre currently located to the northeast of Lord Howe Island. As seen in the satellite loop below, the clockwise circulation around the low is driving intense southeasterly winds over Lord Howe Island.

Wind and waves batter Neds Beach, Lord Howe Island
Image: 2-hour loop showing satellite and radar up until 11:00am AEST 23 May, 2026. Source: Weatherzone.

This system has been moving slowly over the Tasman Sea during the last few days. Wind gusts exceeding 100km/h have been observed at the appropriately named “Windy Point” anemometer each day since Friday. Destructive winds peaked at this location on Friday morning with gusts reaching 135km/h, the strongest gusts at Windy Point since May 2022. Additionally, the Lord Howe Island Airport recorded a 122 km/h wind gusts on Friday morning, the strongest gusts at the airport since February 2020. The threat of 100km/h wind gusts will continue this afternoon and evening as gusty showers persist.

These intense winds are churning waves in excess of 5 metres. Furthermore, wild waves are causing significant erosion, particularly at the south and southeast facing beaches of Lord Howe Island.

Not surprisingly, a Severe Weather Warning has been issued for these hazardous conditions. Be sure to check our Weather Warnings page for the latest details.