Cairns Regional Council has warned that king tides are expected each afternoon from Sunday 4 October to Friday 9 October, with low-lying roads and coastal areas potentially affected.
The council forecasts the highest tide at 3.08 metres at 7.26pm on Wednesday 7 October. Other predicted peaks include 3.06 metres on Tuesday evening and 3.01 metres on Thursday evening. Times and heights may vary, and heavy rainfall could worsen any flooding.
Portsmith streets including Redden, Tingira, Liberty, Walters and Trawler Base Road are among the areas council identifies as vulnerable. Parts of Cairns City and Cairns North near the Esplanade may also be affected.
Residents should avoid parking in known tidal areas, never drive through floodwater and obey any temporary road closure signs. The council directs people to the Bureau of Meteorology and Cairns Disaster Dashboard for changing conditions.
Source: Cairns Regional Council, 1 October 2026.
Image disclosure: The featured image is an AI-generated conceptual editorial illustration. It does not show actual October 2026 flooding or a specific Cairns street.
