Tropical Cyclone Sid caused heavy rain and widespread flooding to areas in the northern regions of Queensland, between Cairns and Townsville. Townsville recorded 549 mm of rain in a 24 hour period, and as a result, 50 per cent of the town lost their power supply. Other major areas affected included Blue Water Creek, Black River, Rollingstone, Paluma, Ingham, Halifax and Charters Towers.

The heavy deluge resulted in extensive damage throughout the affected regions. At Thuringowa, 48 houses were seriously flooded, 14 creek and riverside homes were lost, and 33 were left severely damaged. Elsewhere, infrastructure including roads, highways, bridges, railways and power lines were badly affected. Furthermore, the flash flood inundated multiple buildings and houses along with widespread damage to both agricultural and horticultural industries. The floodwaters ruined crops, with cane growers particularly impacted.  One death was recorded as a result of this event.

The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1998 damage at $71 million, with the 2011 estimated normalised cost of $245 million.