Flood mapping

The Sunshine Coast’s idyllic, sub-tropical climate also brings with it periods of prolonged and intense rainfall, severe storms, monsoonal rain, tropical cyclones and storm tides. All of these factors contribute to the likelihood of flooding.

Updated flood mapping helps the community to understand how flooding and overland flow may affect aspects of their everyday life, at home, at work, at school or on the road.

Riverine flooding

Riverine flood maps show residents the effect of widespread and prolonged rainfall over a large catchment area. Riverine flood events may cause elevated water levels in our rivers and creeks for several days. Flash flooding can also occur following intense localised rainfall and with little warning.

These maps provide an estimate of how and where water will rise during a flood event. This information is important for emergency preparedness as it assists with disaster management and planning, for both council and our community.

Storm tide flooding

Storm tides are associated with tropical storms and cyclones. Storm tide flooding comes from the ocean and is a result of combined high tides and heavy seas.

Storm tides often coincide with periods of intense and prolonged rainfall and can impact on existing swollen river systems and low lying coastal areas. Storm tides can increase the severity, extent and length of any simultaneous river and creek flooding.

These maps show how high ocean surges can get above the Highest Astronomical Tide during storms. It's important for emergency preparedness, helping both Council and the community with disaster management and planning.

Download the map for your area to see if local storm tides impact you.