Low areas warned: be ready for ‘proper rain’

RESIDENTS in low-lying areas are being warned to prepare ahead of heavy rains and spring tides that could coincide this week.

While the chances of a cyclone forming in the Gulf have been downgraded, forecasters say the rain is definitely on the way with heavier falls expected to start today.

Douglas Shire Council will issue sandbags today in readiness for the weather event and a spokesman said people should “consider what actions they may need to take”.

A low-pressure system in the Gulf was continuing to hover over land last night and forecasters said its development had slowed and if it did form into a cyclone it would likely not be until the weekend.

However, duty forecaster Andrew Mostyn said its formation would not delay the impending rain for the east coast and Christmas was still expected to be wet.

“We will see showers increase and they will be more frequent (today) with a tendency for rain on Thursday and Friday,” he said.

“We may experience flooding in some areas.

“This will be proper wet season rain with the monsoon trough coming down.”

He said it was still too early to predict rainfall totals, although falls of over 100mm in some areas could occur.

SES Far Northern regional director Wayne Coutts called on residents to be aware of the impending rain.

“We just want to make sure people have thought about Plan B,” he said.

“We want people to pay attention to what the weather is doing.

“We’re also asking locals to consider new people to the area or tourists, rather than just shaking their heads, to take them under their wing and give them some advice.”

The District Disaster Management Group has not been activated although Northern Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius said they had been in contact with all local councils across the Gulf and Cape York areas.