An alert has been issued by emergency planners that higher “astronomical tides” are expected over the winter months because we are at a peak of a tidal cycle linked to the orbit of the moon. Winchelsea Beach is believed to be the most exposed local community.
However, planners emphasis that higher astronomical tides alone do not mean coastal flooding and can pass without incident. Flooding would occur only if higher tides and weather patterns combined to generate tidal surges and high waves. Astronomical tides are 17 to 22cm higher than normal. They are due on October 9-10, January 22-23 and February 20-21.