King tides expected this week

KING tides are expected in Cairns from this Wednesday 17 April through to Saturday 20 April and peaking on Thursday 18 April.

Cairns Regional Council reminded 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 also to lessen the impact of bow waves, which can push water into nearby properties.

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

Cairns drivers are required to adhere to signs advising the road is closed, and find an alternative route until the road is reopened – if it’s flooded, forget it.

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 17 April: 2.8m at 6.08am 
• Thursday 18 April: 2.83m at 6.41am  
• Friday 19 April: 2.83m at 7.07am  
• Saturday 20 April: 2.81m at 7.30am

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

• Redden St, Portsmith
• Tingira St, Portsmith
• Liberty St, Portsmith 
• Walters St, Portsmith
• Trawler Base Rd, Portsmith
• Bramp Cl, Portsmith
• Cook St, Portsmith
• Fearnley St, Portsmith 
• Parts of Aumuller St (near Comport St), Portsmith
• Spence St and the Esplanade intersection, Cairns City 
• Parts of Draper St (Hartley St to Kenny Street), Portsmith
• Corner of Lily St and the Esplanade, Cairns North 
• Sections of the Cairns Esplanade from Spence St to Florence St (near the RSL)

The Bureau of Meteorology is also expecting heavy rainfall in the Cairns region from Monday night.  

Catchments are already wet and will respond quickly to any rainfall, bringing an increased risk of flash flooding.

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

For the latest weather warnings, advice and information, visit the Cairns Disaster Dashboard: www.disaster.cairns.qld.gov.au.

Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: G-Solar to partner with Tesla in Cairns and Cassowary Coast Youth Week activities.