Residents are advised that king tides will be experienced in Cairns from Sunday 29 December 2024 through to Saturday 4 January 2025; peaking on Wednesday 1 January 2025.
Cairns Regional 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):
- Sunday 29 December: 2.79m at 8.32am
- Monday 30 December: 2.87m at 9.04am
- Tuesday 31 December: 2.93m at 9.40am
- Wednesday 1 January: 2.96m at 10.17am
- Thursday 2 January: 2.94m at 10.58am
- Friday 3 January: 2.88m at 11.40am
- Saturday 4 January: 2.78m at 12.29pm
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
Residents should also monitor the Bureau of Meteorology website for general information related to tide heights.
