A king tide is a common event but this recent one was coupled with a very strong storm surge coming in from the south west causing high winds to whip up the sea.

Waves over a meter to crashed over the sea wall and on to the esplanade.

Local resident Jeff Porter described the night as, “ferocious, the wind was more savage then I had seen in years.”

“The water was coming up over the wall by a good eight to ten feet, bringing all the seaweed with it, “ he said.

The storm surge was said to be a one in 13 year event and effects were seen all over the region with the causeway to Port Flinders also receiving damage.

The tide on the following Sunday night was higher, but with out the storm surge the seas remained at their estimated height and produced a reasonably calm night.

Port Pirie was less affected because of the directions of the winds, a north blowing wind could have caused trouble.

Damage to the retaining wall was made further up the esplanade and gangs from the Mount Remarkable District Council had been kept busy reinforcing it.

There was damage to the walkway between the light house and jetty with large areas of the walkway and surrounding rubble washed away by the fierce waves.

Acting works manager for the Mount Remarkable District Council, Greg Cowin said they would be at the site for the better part of the week tidying up and making the area safe.

PHOTO: CLEAN UP...The recent king tide along the Port Germein Eslplanade dumped a load of seaweed along the beachfront which had to removed.