Be prepared for wet weather and stay out of flooded waters

Motorists are being remined to avoid driving in floodwaters and people advised to stay clear of stormwater drains and waterways, with the chance of heavy rainfall in coming days.

Cairns Mayor Terry James, who is Chair of the Cairns Local Disaster Management Group, said a minor flood warning is already in place for the Mulgrave and Russell Rivers, and Council is monitoring a weather system in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

“A monsoon trough has developed in the Gulf of Carpentaria, which the Bureau of Meteorology has indicated could develop into a tropical low,” Cr James said.

“As we always do, we are monitoring this system to prepared for any impact it may have on our region.

“With wet weather forecast and local catchments already wet, as well as the impact of this week’s king tides, this can lead to significant amounts of fast-flowing water rushing into our water systems.

“It also means that some roads may be prone to damage such as large potholes and washouts, so the message is to be vigilant.

“Given the recent flooding and the impact to infrastructure, motorists should be extra vigilant of road conditions and potential for new or further landslips at already impacted sites.

“Floodwaters can also change road conditions without warning. If you can't see the bottom, you don't know if it's still there or washed away.

“While it is tempting to make it to the other side of a flooded road, motorists should also apply the simply rule that ‘if it’s flooded, forget it’.”

Cr James said the weather currently being experienced in Cairns was typical of the annual wet season.

“We need to remember that we are still in the middle of our wet season, which typically extends from the start of November and through to the end of April,” Cr James said.

“We get heavy falls and need to be prepared for flash flooding and potentially cyclones.

“The message for residents is to remain vigilant and be prepared – the Cairns Disaster Dashboard has information to help people be ready for a disaster.

“What did become evident during last month’s flooding, was the need for residents to have a battery-powered radio. If the power goes out, people can expect that the internet and phone reception is impacted.

“In this case, ABC radio, the emergency broadcaster, is the best way to get up-to-date information.”

Cr James acknowledge there were some parts of the community still dealing with the effects of last month’s flooding.

“I want to assure to residents that recovery work with those affected communities will continue, and people feeling anxious about the impending wet season can access help and information at the Cairns Disaster Dashboard.”

The Cairns Disaster Dashboard has two tabs (available at the top left): the General Dashboard for emergency news, power and road updates and weather warnings; while the Community Relief tab is dedicated to recovery information, including financial assistance, public health and support services.

Council will have free sandbags available at its Waste Transfer Station for residents in low lying areas.

Cr James said people should also be mindful of the potential risks associated with fast flowing flood waters.

Cr James said that flood waters can cover and obscure many dangers.

“Fast flowing water can be dangerous, and the quality of water can deteriorate during heavy rainfall,” he said.

“Residents, especially children, playing in or near flood waters, can be quickly swept away, be injured by hidden debris or drown if they become trapped.

“Flood water can potentially contain sewage and chemicals, and even have potentially deadly animals in them.

“I would urge residents, and especially children, to refrain from playing in or near flood waters – quite simply that can be dangerous.”

Residents are also being reminded that king tides are currently being experienced in Cairns.

“King tides will be experienced through to Monday (15 January), and the impact of these king tides on low lying areas could be exacerbated by heavy rainfall,” Cr James said.

“Avoid parking cars in low-lying tidal areas as tidal flooding is saltwater, which can damage cars on contact.

“We urge motorists 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 may close roads which are inundated by tidal flooding to prevent damage to private property.

King tide levels for Cairns are expected at the following times (other areas may vary):

Free sandbags are available for Cairns region residents from Council waste transfer stations.

“Residents in low-lying areas should prepare their properties for potential flooding,” Cr James said.

“Sandbags should be placed at least 3 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.

Sandbags and sand will be available from the at the Portsmith, Smithfield, Gordonvale, and Babinda Transfer Stations, seven days a week, from 8.30am to 5.15pm, until supplies run out.