As cyclone Jasper nears its land crossing towards Port Douglas, concerns are mounting over the potential threat of storm surge flooding, raising the unsettling possibility of crocodiles making their way into the streets.

In the aftermath of high tides and heavy rains, crocodiles can move further upstream into new areas. Previous weather events have brought the animals in Far North Queensland out of their normal home in coastal creeks.

The phenomenon occurred during recent floods in Queensland and was also seen when Cyclone Owen struck in 2018. Crocodiles were flushed out of the surrounding creek and onto the streets in Far North Queensland.

In a notable incident from January 2018, a sizable 3-metre crocodile was sighted in Ulysses Ave in Port Douglas, ultimately ending up on a resident's front yard doorstep. The crocodile collided with a neighbour’s garage before finding an easement between two properties, disappearing into the drain system leading to Ferndale Lake.