Updated 4pm: The South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) has expanded storm surge advice across a wider stretch of coastline, with additional warnings now issued for Middle Beach, Yorke Peninsula, Port Pirie, Venus Bay, Port Kenny, Tulka, Baird, Arno Bay, Port Lincoln and Ceduna, alongside Middle Beach north of Adelaide.
The escalation comes as severe weather conditions and abnormally high sea levels continue to impact the state, increasing the risk of coastal flooding, wave overtopping and dangerous conditions along exposed shorelines.
Authorities say the situation is being actively monitored as the storm surge coincides with Tuesday’s peak high tide period, heightening the likelihood of rapid inundation across multiple coastal communities.
Residents in all affected areas are being urged to take immediate precautions, including activating emergency plans, securing property where safe to do so, and ensuring drains and gutters are clear.
Updated 7am: A storm surge warning has been issued for Middle Beach north of Adelaide, with authorities warning that coastal flooding could impact roads, low-lying areas and potentially cut off access to the community during Tuesday afternoon’s high tide.
The South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) has advised residents to prepare now, with a risk that floodwaters could affect Middle Beach Road and temporarily isolate the township.
The warning comes as severe weather conditions and abnormally high sea levels are forecast across much of the South Australian coastline, prompting additional safety alerts from Marine Safety SA.
Coastal flooding is expected to coincide with Tuesday afternoon’s high tide, increasing the likelihood that water will inundate low-lying areas around the beachside community.
Residents are being encouraged to activate their emergency plans, move valuable items to higher ground and make sure drains and gutters are clear, where safe to do so.
Authorities have reminded the public never to walk, ride or drive through floodwaters. Parents are also being urged to keep children away from floodwaters and drainage areas, which can become extremely dangerous during storm surge events.
The warning follows advice from Marine Safety SA that sea levels around the state’s coastline are expected to be significantly higher than those indicated on standard tide tables.
As a result, some jetties may be closed over the coming days due to the combination of high tides, rough seas and severe weather conditions. Waves may wash over exposed jetties, so people should exercise caution around coastal infrastructure.
Middle Beach residents are being encouraged to follow the guidance outlined in their local Community Emergency Management Plan and stay up to date with changing conditions throughout the day.
A statewide Severe Weather Response has been activated for people sleeping rough as damaging winds and rainfall move across South Australia.
The SES is continuing to monitor the situation and has urged South Australians to keep informed through official weather and emergency channels.
Anyone requiring SES assistance can call 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
