General News
21 April, 2022
Get ready for heavy rainfall
Cairns Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) advises residents to make preparations for possible flooding in coming days.
All residents should actively monitor the situation via official sources and be ready to put their Household Emergency Plan in place:
Cairns Disaster Dashboard, www.disaster.cairns.qld.gov.au
Cairns Disaster Centre Facebook page, @CairnsDisasterCentre, https://www.facebook.com/CairnsDisasterCentre
Road conditions: Department of Transport and Main Roads 131 940
The Bureau of Meteorology has advised that heavy rainfall heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is forecast for the northeast tropical coast between the Daintree and Rollingstone from this evening and is likely to continue through Friday.
Six-hourly rainfall totals between 150 to 200 mm are likely, reaching up to 250 mm over the coast and ranges.
A Flood Watch is current for coastal catchments between Rollingstone and the Daintree.
Deputy Mayor Terry James, Chair of the Cairns Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) said the group was monitoring the weather patterns.
“Residents in low-lying areas should prepare their properties for potential flooding,” Cr James said.
Residents should check drains and guttering and clear any debris or blockages.
Sandbags available
Free sandbags are now available to Cairns region residents.
Sandbags should be placed at least three courses high across doorways and other points where water can enter your home.
Bags will be made available for residents to fill with sand on site at Council’s waste transfer stations. Scoops for filling will be provided. Sandbags are for residential use only and will be available until supplies run out. Limits will apply per person.
Sandbags and sand will be available at the following locations:
Portsmith Transfer Station 8.30 am to 5.15pm
Smithfield Transfer Station 8:30am to 5.15pm
Gordonvale Transfer Station 8.30am to 5.15pm
Never drive or walk through flooded waters
Cairns residents are also being urged not to walk, ride or drive through flood waters and to adhere to signs advising that roads are closed.
“Fast flowing water can be dangerous, and the quality of water can deteriorate during heavy rainfall,” said Cr James.
“Residents, especially children, playing in or near flood waters, can be quickly swept away, be injured by debris or drown if they become trapped.”
“Flood water may also be contaminated by chemicals and sewerage. Walking through floodwater can therefore present a risk to your health.”
Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater – if it's flooded, forget it.
Prepare for king tides from Sunday
Residents are advised that king tides will be experienced in Cairns from Sunday, April 24 to Thursday, April 28.
Avoid parking cars in low-lying tidal areas and never drive through floodwaters.
Motorists are reminded that tidal flooding is saltwater, which can damage cars on contact.
Motorists are urged to drive carefully and slowly, not only for the safety of road users and pedestrians, but to lessen the impact of bow waves, which can push water into adjacent properties.
Council advises that traffic control and detours will be in place where roads are inundated by tidal floodwaters.
King tide levels for Cairns are expected at the following times (other areas may vary):
Sunday, April 24- 2.95m at 5:12am
Monday, April 25 - 3:07m at 6:01am
Tuesday, April 26 - 3.13m at 6:44am
Wednesday, April 27 - 3.12m at 7:20am
Thursday, April 28 - 3:03m at 7:52am
For more information visit the Council's website.
