Residents urged to prepare for king tides

Residents are advised that king tides will be experienced in Cairns from tomorrow (9 January) through to Monday 15 January, and peaking on Friday 12 January.

Cairns Regional Council would like to remind motorists that tidal flooding is saltwater, which can damage cars on contact. Avoid parking cars in low-lying tidal areas and never drive through floodwaters.

Motorists should drive carefully and slowly, not only for the safety of road users and pedestrians, but to lessen the impact of bow waves, which can push water into nearby properties.

Council may close roads which are inundated by tidal flooding to prevent damage to private property.

Motorists are required to adhere to signs advising the road is closed and should find an alternative route until the road is reopened.

The impact of these king tides on low lying areas could be exacerbated by heavy rainfall.

King tide levels for Cairns are expected at the following times (other areas may vary):

Tuesday 9 January: 2.91m at 8.02amWednesday 10 January: 3.09m at 8.42amThursday 11 January: 3.22m at 9.23amFriday 12 January: 3.28m at 10.04amSaturday 13 January: 3.27m at 10.47amSunday 14 January: 3.17m at 11.31amMonday 15 January: 2.99m at 12.19pm

Streets that are most likely to be impacted by king tides include:

Redden St, PortsmithTingira St, PortsmithLiberty St, PortsmithWalters St, PortsmithTrawler Base Rd, PortsmithBramp Cl, PortsmithCook St, PortsmithFearnley St, PortsmithParts of Aumuller St (near Comport St), PortsmithSpence St and the Esplanade intersection, Cairns CityParts of Draper St (Hartley St to Kenny Street), PortsmithCorner of Lily St and the Esplanade, Cairns North

Residents should also monitor the Bureau of Meteorology website for general information related to tide heights.