Cairns residents are being urged not to walk, ride or drive through flood waters and to adhere to signs advising that roads are closed.
Deputy Mayor Terry James, who is Chair of the Cairns Local Disaster Management Group, said with an Initial Flood Watch is already in place for the Barron and Mulgrave Rivers, as well as a severe weather warning North Tropical Coast, which includes Cairns.
"With significant wet weather forecast and local catchments already wet, this can lead to significant amounts of fast-flowing water rushing into our water systems," he said.
"Fast flowing water can be dangerous, and the quality of water can deteriorate during heavy rainfall.
"Whether you are an experienced driver, if the vehicle before you got through, or if you are familiar with the road, people need to be aware that floodwaters can change road conditions without warning.
"If you can't see the bottom, you don't know if it's still there or washed away.
"The best advice is that if there is water over the road, just wait until it subsides.
"While it is tempting to make it to the other side of a flooded road, motorists should also apply the simply rule that 'if it's flooded, forget it'.
Cr James said that flood waters can cover and obscure many dangers.
"They can hide uneven ground, strong currents, trees and other debris, have electrical currents from fallen powerlines, contain sewage and chemicals, and even have potentially deadly animals in them," Cr James said.
"I would urge residents, and especially children, to refrain from playing in or near flood waters – quite simply that can be dangerous."
Sandbags available ahead of heavy rain
Free sandbags are available for Cairns region residents ahead of consistent heavy rain forecast across the coming week.
"Residents in low-lying areas should prepare their properties for potential flooding," Cr James said.
"Sandbags should be placed at least 3 courses high across doorways and other points where water can enter your home."
Bags will be made available for residents to fill with sand on site at Council's waste transfer stations. Scoops for filling will be provided.
Sandbags are for residential use only and will be available until supplies run out. Limits will apply per person.
Sandbags and sand will be available from the at the Portsmith, Smithfield, Gordonvale, and Babinda Transfer Stations, seven days a week, from 8.30am to 5.15pm, until supplies run out.
Be prepared for king tides
Residents are also being reminded that king tides will be experienced in Cairns from Thursday 16 February to Thursday 23 February.
"The impact of these king tides on low lying areas could be exacerbated by heavy rainfall," Cr James said.
"Avoid parking cars in low-lying tidal areas as tidal flooding is saltwater, which can damage cars on contact.
"We urge motorists to 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 adjacent properties."
Council may close roads which are inundated by tidal flooding to prevent damage to private property.
King tide levels for Cairns are expected at the following times (other areas may vary):
Thursday 16 February: 2.88m at 6.49am
Friday 17 February: 3.16m at 7.32am
Saturday 18 February: 3.39m at 8.15am
Sunday 19 February: 3.54m at 8.55am
Monday 20 February: 3.57m at 9.33am
Tuesday 21 February: 3.47m at 10.09am
Wednesday 22 February: 3.36m at 10.44am
Thursday 23 February: 2.94m at 11.18am
Residents should also monitor the Bureau of Meteorology
