INVERLOCH and surrounding coastal areas have been included in a ‘Coastal Hazard Warning’ issued by the Bureau of Meteorology on Monday morning, May 26, highlighting the expected but feared convergence of high tides and anticipated storm surge.
The warning is for people in parts of East Gippsland, South West, West and South Gippsland and Central Forecast Districts.
According to the bureau a cold front will cross Victoria on Monday as an associated low approaches and then crosses Bass Strait during Monday night.
“On Tuesday that system will move into the Tasman Sea, and a ridge of high pressure to the west will direct a persistent cool south-westerly flow over Victoria,” according to the BOM warning.
“Abnormally high tides may lead to sea water flooding of low-lying areas of all Victorian coasts. Tides are likely to rise well above the normal high tide mark during the afternoon and evening high tides on Monday and Tuesday. The highest tides are expected for Tuesday.
“At the Cape Portland tide gauge, the sea level is forecast to reach 1.6 metres above the Australian Height Datum (AHD). At the Lakes Entrance tide gauge, the sea level is forecast to reach 0.9 metres above AHD. This is expected to cause sea water flooding of low-lying areas.
“A separate Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds over Victoria is also current. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/warnings/
“Locations which may be affected include Warrnambool, Portland, Wonthaggi, Lakes Entrance and Mallacoota.
“The Victoria State Emergency Service and Life Saving Victoria advise that people should be aware of the following:
* Do not walk, ride or drive through flood waters.
* Stay away from beaches, tidal rivers and creeks.
* If you have a boat or water craft, haul out if possible or check your moorings are secure.
* Keep away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
* Stay informed - monitor weather warnings and forecasts at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through VicEmergency app, website and hotline (1800 226 226).
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
Abnormally high tides will also impact Inverloch and surrounding waters this week, rising from 2.8m on Tuesday, May 27 at 11.30am to 3.0m on Thursday (1.30pm) and Friday (2.22pm) this week.
The bureau is not predicting high winds for the local coast, with north-westerlies on Tuesday at 25km/h to 30 km/h increasing to 35 km/h before turning south-westerly at 25km/h to 30 km/h in the early afternoon on Tuesday.
Whether there are storm surges of sufficient strength to coincide with the high tides is not predicted for Inverloch at this stage but the area has been included in the bureau’s ‘Coastal Hazard Warning’ nonetheless.