WET SEASON Water hazard eases Worst of rain over in North
WITH the heaviest of the rain behind us, Far North Queensland is in recovery mode.
Downpours of up to 500mm over two days caused havoc for motorists across the region, including at Mt Peter Rd, Edmonton, where part of the road collapsed.
Cairns Regional Council completed a temporary access road yesterday, but a spokeswoman said it would be at least a few weeks before the road was permanently rectified as new culverts needed to be constructed prior to the roadway being replaced.
Motorists also experienced delays on the Mulligan Highway at McLeod River yesterday with the road under 600mm of water.
Tablelands Regional Council also closed the Malanda Falls swimming area and park yesterday due to the high water level after receiving 221mm so far this month.
But the most rainfall for the week to yesterday was 507mm at Aurukun, south of Weipa.
Duty forecaster Sean Fitzgerald said an upper trough had enhanced heavy rainfall in the region this week with several locations receiving more than 100mm on Tuesday, including 175mm at Reef Park and 150mm at Port Douglas.
“Over the next few days there will still be showery conditions ... showers along the coast particularly for Cairns,” he said. “The rain started easing off from yesterday and will become clearer over the weekend.” He urged boaties to be aware as strong winds were forecast off shore.