‘Abnormal' tides threaten state's coast
A 'very strong' cold front is moving across Australia's southeast over the next few days and is forecasted to peak on Tuesday.
Tides are forecast to exceed well above the highest astronomical tide of the year.
Those living in the Gippsland and Central Districts areas are being warned to stay vigilant with sea water flooding of low lying areas expected.
VICSES State Duty Officer Kate Turner said sandbag filling and collection points were open at the Lakes Entrance and Manns Beach on Monday, with preparation efforts already underway at several flood-prone areas.
'Community members should avoid swimming in beaches, tidal rivers and creeks as we go through this period of storm surge, and always keep away from any flooded drains, rivers, streams and other waterways,' she told NewsWire.
'Our volunteers are well trained and prepared for this weather, and are ready to respond to help their communities.'
More than nine million people currently fall under a severe weather warning along Australia's south eastern coastline, he Bureau of Meteorology's senior meteorologist Jonathan How said.
From Monday, damaging winds and hazardous coastal conditions are expected to extend into large parts of southeast Australia, he said.
'We can see a very strong cold front moving up from the south, reaching the mainland into Monday morning,' he added.
'Behind this cold front is a mass of cold air, and that's associated with vigorous winds as well as showers and thunderstorms.
'Waves are also building along the south coast … for Victoria, abnormally high tides over the few days, peaking on Tuesday.'
Forecasted large waves will bring dangerous conditions both in the water and on the beaches.
'The latest computer model guidance shows that, for the rest of today, that cold front moving through towards the east, and the low pressure system behind it bringing very vigorous winds, showers, and isolated thunderstorms,' Mr How said.
The wild weather is expected to ease by Wednesday afternoon.
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