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A “storm surge” refers to an unusual increase in sea level occurring during significant weather events, like cyclones, as defined by the Bureau of Meteorology.
Concerns have arisen regarding the potential impact of a storm surge if Cyclone Alfred makes landfall during high tide. Such a scenario could jeopardise the safety of tens of thousands of residences. Specifically, estimates suggest that if sea levels rise by 500mm above the previous highest tide, approximately 1,600 homes on the Sunshine Coast, 6,000 on the Gold Coast, and around 20,000 in Brisbane may face the threat of flooding.