Residents urged to prepare for king tides

Residents are advised that king tides will be experienced in Cairns from this Wednesday 6 March through to Wednesday 13 March and peaking on Sunday 10 March.

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):

Wednesday 6 March: 2.96m at 6.52amThursday 7 March: 3.21m at 7.39amFriday 8 March: 3.42m at 8.05amSaturday 9 March: 3.54m at 8.42am and 2.91m at 8.39pmSunday 10 March: 3.55m at 9.16am and 2.98m at 9.19pmMonday 11 March: 3.42m at 9.49am and 2.96m at 10.01pmTuesday 12 March: 3.16m at 10.22am and 2.84m at 10.47pmWednesday 13 March: 2.8m at 10.55am

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.