King tides are expected to affect Cairns next week, from Monday 13 April to Monday 20 April.
The highest tides (3.09m) are forecast to occur at night on both Friday 17 April and Saturday 18 April.
The potential impacts of king tides may be intensified by high rainfall, which could worsen flooding during this period.
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.
Forecast king tide levels for Cairns (times and heights may vary for other locations):
- Monday 13 April: 2.88m at 6.43am
- Tuesday 14 April: 2.98m at 7.09am
- Wednesday 15 April: 3.04m at 7.36am and 2.84m at 8pm
- Thursday 16 April: 3.04m at 8.05am and 3m at 8.37pm
- Friday 17 April: 2.95m at 8.33am and 3.09m at 9.16pm
- Saturday 18 April: 2.79m at 9.02am and 3.09m at 9.59pm
- Sunday 19 April: 3m at 10.48pm
- Monday 20 April: 2.85m at 11.50pm
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 monitor the Bureau of Meteorology website for general information related to tide heights as well as the Cairns Disaster Dashboard for any additional weather warnings that may affect the Cairns region.
