BOM issues severe heavy rain warning across North, Far North
The Bureau of Meteorology has released a severe weather warning for North and Far North residents which could bring downpours of up to 200mm, severe storms and the danger of flash flooding.
Cairns
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After a few lacklustre wet seasons, the Bureau of Meteorology has urged Far North residents to be prepared for a wild weekend which could bring downpours of up to 200mm, severe storms and the danger of flash flooding.
At 1pm the Bureau issued a severe weather warning predicting heavy rainfall for the Townsville region.
The Bureau said rain is predicted to develop on Saturday and persist through Sunday.
Other locations to be impacted include Tully, Cardwell, Townsville and Charters Towers.
âš ï¸â›ˆï¸Severe Weather #Warning for heavy rainfall has been issued for the #Townsville region. Predicted to develop on Saturday and persist through Sunday also. Other locations include #Tully, #Cardwell, #Ayr. #Bowen and #ChartersTowers. Details and updates: https://t.co/opxN9r9t0qpic.twitter.com/qPTCKaXffP
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) January 13, 2023
BOM community information officer Patch Clapp said the already saturated Cairns region landscape is likely to react quickly to heavy rain and residents should remain alert.
“We are seeing a prolonged rainfall event and likely to see really heavy falls over the weekend,” he said.
“The flood watch alert from Port Douglas to Mackay means we are expecting heavy monsoonal rainfall along the coast today and into the start of next week.”
“For Sunday we could see some really isolated falls of up to 200mm possibly anywhere from Cairns to Mackay – but not everywhere.
“We could see warning issued for further flood activity or severe thunderstorms.”
The Bureau has issued a flood watch for the Barron, Mossman and Daintree Rivers.
As heavy rains pounded the Far North earlier on Friday, Qld Traffic issued a warning for drivers west of Cairns on Friday morning.
The Mulligan Highway at Biboohra south of Quaids Dam, on Friday morning was flooded in both directions and drivers have been warned to not use to the impacted road.
This will affect drivers travelling to or from Mareeba or Mount Molloy.
All lanes are affected in both directions and delays are expected.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, 92.4mm of rain has fallen throughout the Cairns region in the past 24 hours with the possibility of thunderstorms to come.
Queensland Police urged people to take extra care as localised flooding is predicted to impact the Cairns region.
Police said trying to navigate flooding is hazardous either in vehicles or on foot can be treacherous, as water levels rise and fall quickly, and very often with little or no warning.
“Emergency services are struggling to comprehend why some motorists ignore the notice signs and warnings that are erected on flooded roads,” police said. .
They also reminded the community, it is not only a risk to drivers and their passengers, it also poses risk to our emergency services who assist in these incidents.
Importantly, rethink your need to be on the roads as flash flooding can and does occur without warning.
Police also warned that flood waters can tear away the road surface and that it’s an offence to drive through flood waters when there is a sign erected.
“If it’s flooded forget it,” police said.
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