King tides are expected to affect Cairns for a week from Thursday 26 March to Thursday 2 April, with the highest tides forecast across Sunday 29 March and Monday 30 March.
Peak tides are expected to reach 3.24 metres on both days.
During king tides, seawater can flow onto roads, footpaths and private property, potentially causing damage to vehicles and infrastructure. Saltwater flooding can damage cars immediately on contact.
Residents and visitors are urged to:
- Avoid parking vehicles in known low‑lying or tidal‑affected areas
- Never drive through floodwaters
- Exercise caution when travelling near the coast and tidal creeks.
Motorists are reminded to drive slowly and carefully to reduce bow waves, which can push water deeper into nearby homes and businesses.
The potential impacts of king tides may be intensified by forecast high rainfall, which could worsen flooding during this period.
Forecast king tide levels for Cairns (times and heights may vary for other locations):
- Thursday 26 March: 2.8m at 5.04am
- Friday 27 March: 3.01m at 5.58am
- Saturday 28 March: 3.16m at 6.41am
- Sunday 29 March: 3.24m at 7.19am
- Monday 30 March: 3.24m at 7.53am
- Tuesday 31 March: 3.17m at 8.21am and 2.8m at 8.33pm
- Wednesday 1 April: 3.04m at 8.45am and 2.81m at 9.02pm
- Thursday 2 April: 2.87m at 9.04am
To protect public safety and private property, Council may temporarily close roads affected by tidal flooding. Motorists must obey all road closure signage and find alternative routes until conditions improve.
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
- Toohey St, Portsmith
- Knight St, Portsmith
- Palmer St, Portsmith
- Hartley St, Portsmith
- Hasell St, Portsmith
- Parts of Draper St (Hartley St to Kenny Street), Portsmith
- Spence St and the Esplanade intersection, Cairns City
- Corner of Lily St and the Esplanade, Cairns North
Residents should also monitor the Bureau of Meteorology website for general information related to tide heights.
