Residents urged to prepare for king tides

Residents are advised that king tides will be experienced in Cairns from this Saturday (14 September) through to Thursday 19 September, peaking on Tuesday 17 September.

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.

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):

Saturday 14 September: 2.92m at 7.05pmSunday 15 September: 3.12m at 7.40pmMonday 16 September: 3.25m at 8.15pmTuesday 17 September: 3.28m at 8.49pmWednesday 18 September: 3.18m at 9.21pmThursday 19 September: 2.96m at 9.54pm

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.