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| Tides for Friday 14 December and Saturday 15 December 2012 |
The latest Severe Weather Warning warns that powerful surf and high tides may lead to strong currents, beach erosion and local inundation of low lying coastal areas. The highest water levels are expected on the late morning high tide during Friday and Saturday and are likely to exceed the highest tide of the year.
Locations which may be affected include the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and eastern coasts of the Moreton Bay Islands and Fraser Island. (Source: BOM.gov.au)
The highest tide levels of 1.85m at 8:50am on Friday morning and 1.83m at 9:40am on Saturday morning are expected at the Gold Coast seaway.
For the Gold Coast, this may cause minor localised flooding in low lying areas that are traditionally susceptible to king tides in suburbs such as
- Budds Beach
- Coombabah
- Boykambil
- Jacob's Well
- Currumbin
- areas around the Broadwater.
The Gold Coast City Council is monitoring the beach conditions closely as Council staff are bracing for big tides and potential beach erosion ahead of predicted severe weather conditions over the next couple of days.
Chair of Engineering Services Councillor Daphne McDonald said Council’s priority was public safety and protection of infrastructure as the surf conditions worsen.
"We urge people to stay off the beaches at the high tide mark, which will be about 8am tomorrow," she said. "Lifeguards will be monitoring the surf conditions and officers will be checking on erosion and closing beaches where necessary.
"Palm Beach was closed early this morning around the high tide and Surfers Paradise is closed due to dangerous conditions at present (9.30am)." Cr McDonald said Council also asked parents to keep children away from any beach scarping.
So it may be best to steer clear of the beaches this weekend, or at least follow the instructions of the local lifeguards regarding beach closures and warnings.
Chair of Engineering Services Councillor Daphne McDonald said Council’s priority was public safety and protection of infrastructure as the surf conditions worsen.
"We urge people to stay off the beaches at the high tide mark, which will be about 8am tomorrow," she said. "Lifeguards will be monitoring the surf conditions and officers will be checking on erosion and closing beaches where necessary.
"Palm Beach was closed early this morning around the high tide and Surfers Paradise is closed due to dangerous conditions at present (9.30am)." Cr McDonald said Council also asked parents to keep children away from any beach scarping.
So it may be best to steer clear of the beaches this weekend, or at least follow the instructions of the local lifeguards regarding beach closures and warnings.