ROADS were temporarily inundated in Townsville this morning as the highest tide of the year so far peaked just after 9am.
The 4.11m king tide cut Boundary Street in South Townsville and crept into low-lying areas in that suburb, Railway Estate and flood prone areas of the CBD.
Soldiers moved their amphibious vehicles onto higher ground from Ross Island Barracks to wait for the tide to recede.
Traffic controllers packed up their gear about 10am.
Higher than average tides will continue tomorrow and Friday, with peaks of over 4m expected.
Townsville City Council Disaster Management Group Deputy Cr Kurt Rehbein encouraged residents to remain cautious when travelling in potential flood areas.
“We will watch low-lying areas that may be prone to flooding, but I would like to remind motorists to be watchful when driving during the king tides,” Cr Rehbein said.
“This flood waters are not from a fresh water source, salt water can be damaging to vehicles and we always recommend staying away from flooded roads.”
Townsville City Council has also started spraying for mosquitoes after an increase in hatchings was discovered after recent rain across the city, which are exacerbated with king tides.
Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said ground treatments would be conducted in areas with large amounts of larvae.
“Council monitors mosquito populations carefully during rain and tide events, and we will continue to treat problem zones throughout the week after the tide recedes,” Cr Greaney said.
“We ask residents to take precautions to protect themselves from being bitten- cover up when outside, use repellent and mosquito coils to keep them away.”
Aerial treatments will begin on Wednesday after the king tide with a possibility for a follow-up later in the week.
