A number of facilities, parks, sporting fields and roads have been closed due ongoing heavy rainfall and flooding.
This includes:
- Smithfield Transfer Station
- Lower Freshwater Rd
- Lake Morris Rd
- McGregor Rd, Smithfield
- Yule St, Clifton Beach
- Freshwater Creek Bridge, Kamerunga Rd
- Ryan Weare Park
- Johnson Park, Gordonvale
- Alley Park, Gordonvale
- Petersen Park, Edmonton
- Walker Road Sports Precinct, Edmonton
- Calanna Park, Woree
- Bill Wakeham Park, Babinda
Residents are advised that more closures are expected and to adhere to warning and closure signage.
A flood watch remains in place for coastal catchments from Cooktown to Cardwell, including Cairns, with significant rainfall along the North Tropical Coast expected today and tomorrow.
Catchments are generally wet across the flood watch area and are expected to respond quickly to heavy rainfall.
A severe thunderstorm warning was also issued at 7.22am today for parts of the North Tropical Coast, including Cairns, Yarrabah, Gordonvale and Redlynch.
Visit the Bureau of Meteorology website (www.bom.gov.au) for more details.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant as flood waters can rise quickly and to not walk, ride or drive through flood waters and to adhere to signs advising that roads are closed.
Deputy Mayor Terry James, who is Chair of the Cairns Local Disaster Management Group, has urged motorists to be vigilant and take extra care on the road as result of heavy rainfall, with the potential of some localised flooding.
"Drivers need to be extra careful during heavy rains and storms," Cr James said.
"Roads can become slippery with the rain and conditions may cause minor landslips and changes to road surfaces such as potholes developing.
"Motorists can assist by driving carefully and slowly. This is not only for the safety of road users and pedestrians, but it also lessens the impact of bow waves, which can push water into adjacent properties.
"We also urge residents to advise Council, via the My Cairns app or the customer service centre, of any issues with roads or drains.
"As always please do not drive through flooded roads – if it's flooded forget it."
Cr James said fast flowing water can be dangerous, and the quality of water can deteriorate during heavy rainfall.
"Residents, especially children, playing in or near flood waters, can be quickly swept away, be injured by debris or drown if they become trapped," he said.
"Flood water may also be contaminated by chemicals and sewerage. Walking through floodwater can therefore present a risk to your health."
Residents are urged to go to the Cairns Disaster Dashboard (disaster.cairns.qld.gov.au) to stay up-to-date.
