Deluge leads to river rises

THE FAR North is in for another downpour on Saturday with 80mm forecast to be dumped on the city.

On Friday, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a flood watch for coastal areas between Cooktown and Cardwell.

River level rises are likely in the catchments of Endeavour River, Daintree River, Mossman River, Mulgrave and Russell Rivers, Tully River and Murray River.

“Catchments are wetting up from rainfall over the last few days, and are likely to respond quickly to further rainfall,” a BOM spokesperson said.

“River level rises are likely over the next few days with minor flooding possible. Localised flooding and some disruption to transport routes may occur.”

Motorists are urged to avoid potential low-lying areas and to remember “if it’s flooded, forget it”.

The wet weather is tipped to ease on Sunday, with only a shower or two forecast.

Cairns Airport received 25.4mm from 9am-7pm on Friday.

Innisfail received 60.8mm and Mareeba registered 15.6mm in the same period.