How cyclone Megan is impacting Far North Qld

Flights are expected to continue as normal despite a minor flood warning at Cairns airport, as Cyclone Megan causes significant rainfall across the Far North.

With Tropical Cyclone Megan threatening the Northern Territory and Queensland border, wet weather is forecast for Cairns this week. Spectators shelter from the heavy rain under umbrellas as they watch the A Grade match between the Cairns Kangaroos and the Innisfail Brothers at Vico Oval, Mooroobool. Picture: Brendan Radke

Flights are expected to continue as normal despite a minor flood warning for the Barron River at Cairns Airport on Monday morning, as Cyclone Megan causes significant rainfall across the Far North.

Minor flooding along the Barron River at Cairns Airport was expected to peak on Monday morning after 130mm of rain fell across the catchment since 9am, Saturday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

But it is not expected to delay flights.

A spokesman for Cairns Airport confirmed the minor flood warning and wet weather would not affect flights scheduled to fly in or out of Cairns.

“Operations have not been impacted at Cairns Airport on Monday morning,” the spokesman said.

A minor flood warning for Peets Bridge near Godonvale was issued by the Bureau of Meteorology with moderate to heavy rainfalls with totals up to 130mm recorded across the catchment.

The situation is being monitored and warnings will be upgraded as required.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Livio Regano confirmed Cyclone Megan, which is expected to cross the Northern Territory coast near the Queensland border on Monday night, would cause further flooding to already flood-affected towns in The Gulf.

“The Gulf country will be subjected to (further) flooding depending as the Nicholson catchments have not been cleared,” Mr Regano said.

With Tropical Cyclone Megan threatening the Northern Territory and Queensland border, wet weather is forecast for Cairns this week. Spectators shelter from the heavy rain under umbrellas as they watch the A Grade match between the Cairns Kangaroos and the Innisfail Brothers at Vico Oval, Mooroobool. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cyclone Megan marks the fourth weather system impact the Queensland coast following Cyclone Jasper, which made landfall at Wujal Wujal on December 13, Cyclone Kirrily and Cyclone Lincoln.

“There’s nothing particularly striking about this number of cyclones in a season. Typically you get four cyclones in the Coral Sea. Given the split between The Gulf and the Coral Sea, it’s probably not unusual to see so many in a year but it is unusual for El Nino where you tend to get fewer cyclones,” Mr Regano said.

It comes as the Bureau of Meteorology released a minor flood warning for the Barron River downstream of Barron Falls.

The Bureau of Meteorology reported flood levels at the Barron River at Cairns Airport was at 2.16m as of 6.56am, Monday, with flooding to peak at 2.50m.

With Tropical Cyclone Megan threatening the Northern Territory and Queensland border, heavy rain is forecast for Cairns this week. FNQRL ball boy Thomas Brim, 12, has fun diving into puddles at Vico Oval at the completion of the A Grade match between the Cairns Kangaroos and the Innisfail Brothers. Picture: Brendan Radke

The Bureau recorded more than 200mm of rainfall in parts of the Cairns region on the weekend, with more expected through the week.

According reports, Tropical Cyclone Megan intensified to a category three storm on Sunday and is expected to make landfall on Monday evening or Tuesday morning.

Due to the intense rainfall, a minor flood warning has been issued for the Mulgrave and Russell rivers, with Cairns Regional Council issuing a warning for king tides.

Cairns Regional Council advised residents to expect king tides from Monday, March 18 to Monday, March 25.

Council urged motorists to drive carefully in tide affected areas, avoid parking cars in low-lying tidal areas and never drive through floodwaters.

Originally published as How cyclone Megan is impacting Far North Qld