Storm Surge and Storm Tide

Hinchinbrook is located in a cyclone‑prone region, where storm surge, high winds and heavy rainfall can pose serious risks to coastal and low‑lying communities. 

Understanding the difference between storm surge and storm tide and knowing whether your property is in an evacuation zone, is critical for personal safety and evacuation planning. 

What is a storm surge? 

A storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by: 

  • Strong onshore winds pushing water toward the coast, and 

  • Reduced atmospheric pressure associated with severe weather systems, particularly tropical cyclones. 

Storm surges typically occur as a cyclone approaches landfall but can also be generated by intense low‑pressure systems outside of the tropics. 

What is a storm tide? 

A storm tide occurs when a storm surge coincides with a normal (astronomical) high tide. 

This combination significantly increases the risk of coastal inundation, as water levels can rise higher than would occur from a storm surge alone. The most dangerous scenario is when a storm surge arrives at or near high tide, potentially flooding areas that may otherwise remain safe. 

Storm Tide Evacuation Guides and Maps 

Council provides a range of storm tide evacuation resources to help residents: 

  • Understand whether they live in a storm tide evacuation zone 

  • Know what actions may be required before, during and after a cyclone event 

Watch: Storm tide and evacuation information 

Available resources 

Council’s storm tide information includes: 

Storm Surge Evacuation Guide(PDF, 5MB)Storm Surge Brochure(PDF, 1MB)Storm Tide Evacuation Zones Factsheet(PDF, 311KB)

Storm Tide Evacuation Maps:

Learn more 

For detailed technical information and background studies, visit Council’s Hinchinbrook Storm Surge Study page.

Staying informed and prepared can save lives.  

Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with evacuation zones and have a personal evacuation plan in place well before cyclone season. 

 

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