Heavy rain caused roads and bridges to close, but water levels are now starting to ease
Floodwaters have begun receding across Far North Queensland but authorities warn the danger isn't over, with debris and strong currents still threatening motorists. 24 hour rainfall totals included.
A man has swam across croc-infested waters to safety after finding his tent surrounded by floodwaters at the Daintree River Crossing on the remote Cape Tribulation Road..
He had fallen asleep on the northern bank of the river in a tent atop his car when he woke about 6 am on Wednesday morning, and discovered his vehicle was surrounded by rising water.
The man called emergency services for help, prompting the deployment of the Rescue 510 helicopter. Before the helicopter arrived, however, the man had swam to a nearby house.
Emergency services confirmed he was unharmed.
This comes as record rainfall hits the region this month, with 140.4mm recorded at Cairns Airport — a 340 per cent increase on the average September rainfall of 32.7mm.
The Bureau of Meteorology had issued minor flood warning earlier this week, which remain in place.
This includes warnings for the Daintree, Mossman, Mulgrave, Russell, and Tully rivers.
Some areas like Peets Bridge have started to recede after heavy rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday.
However while water levels are starting to lower, drivers are reminded to remain vigilant, as debris and driftwood remain scattered on the roads along with the regions message “if it’s flooded, forget it.”
Concerns the Daintree ferry would close on Wednesday night, September 17, due to heavy rainfall and strong currents in the Daintree River were ultimately quashed.
With the Douglas Shire Council confirmed on Thursday morning the road to Cape Tribulation remained open for all vehicles under eight tonnes and the ferry was operating normally.
“No interruptions to services on Wednesday night,” council wrote in a statement.
“Noah Creek is still flowing very fast this morning, Thursday 18 September, and further damage to the causeway will require around half a day to repair.”
DSC said repairs to Noah Creek will take place once machinery can reach the site, but it is unlikely access will be possible today.
The warnings came after the Bureau of Meteorology reported parts of the region had been drenched by almost 300mm of rain in the past couple of days.
Cairns Regional Council also warned of “fast-flowing” water rushing into local systems on Wednesday.
Some Cairns roads had been interrupted by flooding, including Russell River Bridge at Clyde Rd and Mulgrave River at The Fisheries.
Along with some recreational areas, including Babinda Boulders and Crystal Cascades, which were closed for safety reasons.
“Motorists are being urged to be vigilant and take extra care on the road with the wet weather expected to continue for several days,” a council spokeswoman said.
“Continuing showers and the occasional storm expected, people in affected areas should monitor the situation and remember.”
Council reminded driver that driving in floodwaters is dangerous.
“If it’s flooded – forget it,” the spokeswoman said.
Heavy rain triggers rising waters at Mulgrave, Russell and Josephine Falls
A severe weather warning for heavy rainfall was issued just after 7am on September 17 for parts of the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands Forecast District.
Raging water was reported at Josephine Falls, while the Bureau of Meteorology also issued a flood warning on Wednesday afternoon for the Mulgrave and Russell Rivers.
The Mulgrave River at Peets Bridge reached 5.7 m, with levels predicted to peak near 6.1 m by Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, yesterday afternoon the river at Gordonvale was at 12.2 m and rising, with a forecast peak of around 12.3 m overnight Wednesday into Thursday.
On Wednesday, heavy rain had developed across the North Tropical Coast with Daintree Village and recorded 250mm of rain overnight.
Flooded roads included Peets bridge and Anichs Brigade in the Douglas shire as of 8.30am.
Douglas Shire Council also announced on Wednesday morning the Noah Creek causeway would remain closed, with water flowing heavily over the crossing.
Heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, is forecast to continue over Tablelands communities inland from Innisfail, with six-hourly totals of 140 to 160mm likely, while rain is expected to ease later in the day.
Areas that may be affected include Atherton, Ravenshoe and Millaa Millaa. At Topaz Alert, 110mm of rain was recorded in just three hours up until 5:40am.
Since 9am on Tuesday, 338mm has fallen at Topaz (North Johnstone River), with other significant falls at Daintree Village (279mm) and Millaa Millaa (193mm).
As of 5pm on September 16, Copperlode Dam (Lake Morris) is at 90.6 per cent capacity.
In the last 24 hours, rainfall gauges at The Boulders recorded a massive 187.0 mm of rain, while other areas that were hit hard on Wednesday have started to see a drop in rainfall.
Thursday totals included Topaz (North Johnstone River) with 51.0 mm, Daintree Village 43.0 mm, and Bartle View 32.0 mm.
By comparison, Wednesday saw much heavier falls: Topaz 338 mm, Daintree Village 279 mm, and Bartle View 150 mm.
Thursday rainfall totals
Topaz (North Johnstone River) 51.0mm
Daintree Village 43.0mm
Millaa Millaa 9.0mm
Bairds 41.0mm
Bartle View 32.0mm
Copperlode Dam n/a
Greenhaven 14.0mm
Stewart Creek Valley 8.0mm
Ravenshoe n/a
Wednesday rainfall totals
Topaz (North Johnstone River) 338mm
Daintree Village 279mm
Millaa Millaa 193mm
Bairds 169mm
Bartle View 150mm
Copperlode Dam 132mm
Greenhaven 129mm
Stewart Creek Valley 116mm
Ravenshoe 109mm
Originally published as Heavy rain caused roads and bridges to close, but water levels are now starting to ease
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