FNQ mops up after deluge
UP to 220mm has fallen in 24 hours in some parts of the Far North inundating homes, flooding roads and shopping centre carparks with more heavy falls expected this week.
Whitfield resident Bill Searle (above) was left to mop up after drainage couldn’t cope with the drenching causing water to gush through his Hillview Crescent home.
MORE monsoon activity is tipped to reign over the Far North – bringing further heavy rain and possible flash flooding to the region.
Meteorologist Peter Markworth said while the monsoon trough responsible for yesterday’s deluge would move north towards the Gulf of Carpentaria, another could soon form.
“We are expecting a bit more monsoon activity in the north to increase (next week),” Mr Markworth said.
He also warned that the deluge would lead to flash flooding.
“It’s possible in Cairns – the landscape is well suited.”
The official forecast has predicted 10-35mm of rainfall today, but Mr Markworth said figures could be higher if conditions are right.
Maximum temperatures would remain in the low 30s through to next week, with overnight figures around 24-25C.
Yesterday, several weather stations from as north as Port Douglas and as south as Babinda recorded rainfall of over 100mm.
Kuranda Railway Station (220mm) recorded the most within the 24-hour period to 9am yesterday.
It’s the most that has fallen in the gauge since January 27 last year, when 350mm of rainfall was recorded.
Cairns Airport recorded 217mm in the same period, while at the racecourse in Woree, the rain gauge registered 195mm. Copperlode Dam recorded 159mm.
The daytime rainfall in Cairns, from 6am to 6pm, was 126mm.
Cairns Local Disaster Management Group chairman, Deputy Mayor Terry James, urged people to be vigilant and take extra care.
“There has been minor flooding across Cairns (yesterday), with Lower Freshwater Rd closed and water lapping the Kamerunga Rd at Ryan Weare Park,” Cr James said.
Glenoma Park and Goomboora Park were closed due to flooding, but reopened yesterday afternoon although the council did not recommend using paths until water had receded.
Gordonvale’s Greenpatch camping ground also remained off-limits.
Cr James called on drivers to display caution, with slippery roads and potholes an issue.
“Motorists can assist by driving carefully. This is not only for the safety of road users and pedestrians, but it also lessens the impact of bow waves, which push water into adjacent properties,” he said.
“We also urge residents to advise council, via the My Cairns app or the customer service centre, of any issues with roads or drains.
“Please do not drive through flooded roads – if it’s flooded, forget it.”
Cr James reminded parents to keep their children away from dangerous stormwater drains.
“Fast-flowing water can be dangerous and the quality of water can deteriorate during heavy rainfall,” he said.
A number of rubbish bins left out for overnight collection were washed away yesterday morning and the council deployed crews to clean up the mess.
Queensland State Emergency Service Far Northern regional director Wayne Coutts said crews were dispatched to 44 jobs related to yesterday’s deluge.
It also caused staff at St Andrew’s Catholic College to reconsider safety advice for students only two days into the start of the new term.
In an email to parents, college principal Sean Mangan advised that attendance was optional for the rest of the week.
“Due to the extreme weather conditions, I advise that you may exercise your personal judgment as to whether to send your son or daughter to school for the remainder of this week,” Dr Mangan wrote.
“At this stage, the college will be open as normal … we have been advised of normal bus operations for tomorrow.”
The big wet also forced Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway to cancel their services for the day.
Copperlode Dam yesterday reached 76 per cent after the deluge.