Coastal hazards - storm tide inundation
Severe meteorological events such as tropical cyclones are often accompanied by a temporary local rise in sea level known as storm surge. This surge is usually caused by strong onshore winds exerting a stress on the sea surface, which causes water to accumulate against the coast. Additionally, the low atmospheric pressure within the cyclone can allow a small rise in water level.
As a cyclone moves into shallow coastal waters, the nearshore seabed and coastline shape modify the surge and may result in a substantial amplification of its height. When combined with the normally occurring astronomical tide, this phenomenon is referred to as storm tide.
Storm tides can have devastating consequences on coastal communities and the environment, causing dangerous levels of flooding in low-lying coastal areas. The greatest potential for loss of life related to a cyclone is from the associated storm tide. Mitigation measures including prevention and community preparedness can reduce the severity or eliminate this risk. Effective land use planning can limit, and over time, reduce the impacts of storm tide inundation.
Policy 2.2.4 of the State Coastal Management Plan - Queensland's Coastal Policy addresses coastal hazards such as storm tide inundation. The intent of policy 2.2.4 is to ensure that the development of urban land on the coast is carefully located and managed to minimise adverse impacts on coastal resources and their values whilst providing protection for life and property.
The guideline Mitigating the adverse impacts of storm tide inundation provides guidance on the application of policy 2.2.4.
For general information about development application requirements, refer to the information sheet Development applications within areas subject to storm tide inundation.
For information on storm tide inundation, refer to the fact sheet Development applications within areas subject to storm tide inundation.
For information on the department's storm tide monitoring program.
Last updated: 23 November 2006