Worst is over but showers to stay

THE worst of the wet weather is over, but Far Northerners may not get a glimpse of the sun again until Sunday as the system that has caused the downpour slowly moves out of the area.

Falls of more than 500mm were recorded within two days in some spots, particularly around the Tully and Innisfail areas.

Flood warnings remained in place for rivers along the coast with both the Daintree and Mossman rivers still rising late yesterday.

Levels were beginning to drop for rivers south of Cairns yesterday.

Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Annabelle Ford said showers were expected throughout the day in Cairns, although heavier falls were unlikely.

“(Wednesday) should be cloudy with showers,” she said.

“The heavier rain is moving on.

“There will be gradually decreasing showers as the week goes on and we should have a sunny day on Sunday.”

Tinaroo Dam has received a much-needed top-up over the past few days and was sitting at 41.2 per cent capacity after 98mm fell in the area within 24 hours – a rise of more than 5 per cent from January 22.

Copperlode Dam also received 160mm within 24 hours and was spilling over the causeway yesterday.

It comes days after Redlynch and Brinsmead residents were advised of a new outdoor warning system which was set to be installed by the Cairns Regional Council in the event of a dam failure.

In a letter posted to nearby residents, the council’s general manager water and waste Graham O’Byrne said the system would include a series of towers housing speakers mounted on metal poles 15-20m above the ground and possibly a light system.

Installation of up to eight towers throughout the Redlynch Valley from Crystal Cascades to Brinsmead will start later this month. Works are scheduled to finish in June.