Severe weather to bring coastal erosion and flooding tides

04/06/2012

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning damaging winds combined with spring tides, are likely to produce near-record water levels along the NSW coast. Coastal areas from Batemans Bay to Port Macquarie will be affected by a rapidly moving low pressure system from overnight tonight and tomorrow (5 June 2012).

While the entire NSW coast will be affected by the high tides, the main focus of concern is for low lying areas between Batemans Bay and Port Macquarie, including Sydney Harbour and the Cooks River. During such high tides, low lying areas along the coast, as well as coastal creeks and rivers, can experience flooding.

The Bureau's NSW Regional Director, Mr Barry Hanstrum, said the low pressure system currently off the southeast coast of NSW will move rapidly northwards during Tuesday reaching the Hunter late that evening.

"The low pressure system will bring large waves and damaging winds to coastal areas together with a period of heavy rain," Mr Hanstrum said.

"Already we are seeing higher than normal tides, and low lying areas may see some inundation at high tide tonight. On Tuesday night the combination of large waves and high tide will lift the water levels even higher.

"Offshore wave heights over six metres are expected to extend northwards tomorrow bringing a significant risk of coastal erosion, especially on south facing beaches."

New South Wales State Emergency Service Commissioner Mr Murray Kear has urged people in areas affected to prepare now. "People who live in at risk coastal areas should monitor their local sea level closely, stay well clear of the surf zone and call the NSW SES on 132 500 if you have any concerns for your property," Mr Kear said.

According to Phil Watson, Principal Coastal Specialist in the Office of Environment and Heritage, the highest water level on record at Fort Denison is 2.40 m recorded on 25 May 1974.