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QUEENSLAND, Australia — When it comes to a stellar root beer float, the more froth, the better. Not so for the streets of several coastal towns in Australia.
Residents and tourists of Queensland's Gold and Sunshine coasts found themselves navigating through miles of thick sea foam over the weekend.
Tropical cyclone Oswald pummeled the coast last week, churning up the ocean, which in turn spewed forth the fluffy foam. The strange brew spread across the coastline and into town — causing issues for drivers, pedestrians and local businesses.
Witnesses report the foam measured up to 10-feet thick in some areas.
Some took advantage of the bizarre phenomenon, grabbing their bathing suits and cameras and wading through the fluff. Others viewed the cloudy blanket as a giant headache. Take the two traffic officers who narrowly escaped a speeding car that shot from the foam without warning.
Coastal dwellers were advised to cancel all non-essential travel plans as officials tried to get control of the mess.
The foam is formed when powerful waves and strong winds force air into the water during storms, according to the Griffith University Centre for Coastal Management.
Email: jrogers@ksl.com
