The Douglas Local Disaster Management Group has warned local residents to prepare for potential major flooding this weekend as extensive monsoonal rainfall and king tides combine.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned a monsoon flow developing through the Torres Strait and a weak low expected to develop off the far northern peninsula is likely to result in significant flooding. There is no cyclone threat.

Moderate rainfall is expected to develop on Thursday north of Cooktown. This rainfall is predicted to extend southwards to the North Tropical coast on Friday, with heavy falls expected across the Douglas Shire over the weekend.

Currently the heaviest rainfall in excess of 500mm is expected from Cooktown north, with up to 300mm predicted for the Douglas Shire, but a slight southerly shift in the crossing low will see the Douglas Shire bear the brunt of the monsoonal rainfall.

To add to the flooding risk, tides build from Sunday to king tides in excess of three metres from Tuesday 17 February to Saturday 21 February which alone will cause inundation of roads in parts of Port Douglas.

Douglas Local Disaster Management Group Co-ordinator Paul Hoye urged local residents, particularly those at risk or affected by flooding, to have their Disaster Management Plan ready.

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“Sand and sandbags are now available at the rear of Council’s Mossman Administration Building at 64-66 Front St and at the Port Douglas Community Hall in Mowbray St,” Mr Hoye said.

“Boat owners are also reminded to check their moorings and allow for the big tidal movements.

“Regular updates will be provided on Council’s Facebook page and website as the situation becomes clearer.

“In the meantime I urge people to familiarise themselves with the Disaster and Emergency Information on Council’s website. 

“Council also has available to the public free Disaster Resilience USB wallet cards which include storm surge maps, fact sheets, emergency phone numbers and other vital information, with plenty of memory space to load your own essential documents.

“The free Disaster Resilience USB wallet cards are available at Council’s Mossman Administration Building at 64-66 Front St and also the Port Douglas & Mossman Gazette office in Grant St, Port Douglas.

“And remember ‘If it’s flooded, forget it”, it’s never worth risking the lives of your family or emergency services workers because you’ve made the dumb choice to attempt crossing a flooded roadway.”

BE PREPARED

Ensure you:

• Know the risks – is your house in a flood prone or storm surge area?

• Prepare your property in advance

• Have an Emergency Plan for your household and pets – ensure everyone in your household knows the plan

• Pack an Emergency Kit with supplies for at least 3 days – 7 if you live in a remote area

If you need assistance preparing for severe weather visit Council’s website www.douglas.qld.gov.au, Get Ready Queensland getready.qld.gov.au/be-prepared and pick up a Wallet-card USB.