Residents urged to prepare for king tides

Residents are advised that king tides will be experienced in Cairns from tonight through to Thursday 22 August and peaking on Monday 19 August.

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.

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

Friday 16 August: 2.82m at 7.33pmSaturday 17 August: 3.02m at 8.09pmSunday 18 August: 3.19m at 8.45pmMonday 19 August: 3.28m at 9.21pmTuesday 20 August: 3.26m at 9.56pmWednesday 21 August:3.13m at 10.30pmThursday 22 August: 2.87m at 11.06pm

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.