Queensland king tides: Brisbane River inundates low-lying areas

The force of this week’s “significant” king tide has caused the murky brown waters of the Brisbane River to spill over through the city’s low lying areas.

PARTS of the state’s southeast have been inundated with floodwaters again today, as one of the biggest tides of the year continues to roll in.

The force of the king tide combined with impending Cyclone Oma has caused the murky brown waters of the Brisbane River to spill over through the city’s low lying areas.

Today’s tide peaked at 2.7 metres, but Brisbane City Council has warned it could get worse.

“Higher than normal tides may continue to be experienced in low-lying areas near the coast and river locations through to Monday,” said a Council Spokesman.

Cyclone watch issued as Oma approaches southeast Queensland coast

Water over roads through Brisbane as king tides and cyclone combine

Water rises around the Brisbane Jazz club at Kangaroo Point during today’s king tide. Picture: Elliot Ryan

While Cyclone Oma’s path is still unknown, the Bureau of Meteorology has predicted up to 25mm of rain for Brisbane on Saturday and a further 10-60mm over Sunday and Monday.

The extreme conditions could worsen with gale force winds of up to 90km/h through parts of the state.

Brisbane winds are expected to peak at 45km/h over the weekend.

The combination of extreme winds and heavy rain is predicted to cause further flash-flooding throughout Brisbane.

“The seascape is up to one metre above high tide, which is quite significant,” BOM Meteorologist Kimba Wong said.

“Inundation of low lying areas is going to be quite significant from today and will continue throughout the weekend.”

Enjoying lunch along Brisbane’s Eagle Street Pier, Courtney Swift of Toowong was privy to the river’s rising tide.

“It was pretty cool watching the water get higher along the cliffs,” Ms Swift said.

“At first it wasn’t noticeable but soon I realised it was getting higher up onto buildings covering the outside seating areas and driveways.”

In preparation for more flooding Brisbane City Council have stocked sandbag depots around the southeast, however say they remain alert but not alarmed.

SANDBAG LOCATIONS:

Darra — South Depot, 38 Shamrock Road

Morningside — Balmoral Depot, 9 Redfern Street

Newmarket — SES Depot, 66 Wilston Road

Zillmere — North Depot, 33 Jennings Street