King tides are expected to impact Cairns this week

Residents are advised that king tides will be experienced in Cairns from Thursday 2 May through to Friday 10 May and peaking on Tuesday 7 May.

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):

Thursday 2 May: 2.82m at 5amFriday 3 May: 2.97m at 5.43amSaturday 4 May: 3.07m at 6.23amSunday 5 May: 3.09m at 7.01am and 2.88m at 7.35pmMonday 6 May: 3.03m at 7.36am and 3.06m at 8.18pmTuesday 7 May: 2.89m at 8.09am and 3.15m at 9pmWednesday 8 May: 3.14m at 9.44pmThursday 9 May: 3.05m at 10.30pmFriday 10 May: 2.88m at 11.22pm

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 Sections of the Cairns Esplanade from Spence St to Florence St (near the RSL)

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