INTERACTIVE | More wild weather on the way for Douglas Shire
EXTREME WEATHER
The Douglas Shire is facing more extreme weather in the coming days as a tropical low develops in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The low is expected to increase in intensity as it continues westward with areas of the tropical coast likely to be impacted by damaging winds, heavy rain, and increased tides.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting the system will develop into a category one cyclone and turn back toward Northern Queensland by Tuesday.
Related Coverage:
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- OWEN TO SKIP DOUGLAS SHIRE BUT SEVERE STORMS ON THE HORIZON
The Douglas Shire is expected to be impacted by this weather event despite being on the edge of the system’s expected path.
The Daintree and Mossman Rivers are still under flood warnings with catchments having recorded heavy rains recently and more rain expected from the developing storm system.
The BOM has recorded up to 77mm of rain across the catchment area in the 24 hours to 9.00am today.
Port Douglas recorded 105mm of rain yesterday, the fourth night this month with rain gauges tipping over the 100mm mark and bringing the December rainfall total to 938mm.
The most rain recorded in Port Douglas for December was 958mm in 1907.
Mossman’s December rain total is currently sitting at 906mm with the township recording 126mm of rain for 30 December.
While moderate flood levels are easing at Daintree Village, the river is currently at 7.25 metres and is above the moderate flood level of sic metres and is expected to remain high for most of Monday.
River levels are easing in the Mossman River but heavy predicted rainfalls mean an increased risk of flooding along the river in the coming days.
Meteorologist Diana Eadie said the Buearu are closely monitoring the storm system and encourage residents of the far north to stay up to date with weather warnings.
“A severe weather warning, flood watches and flood warnings have been issued for areas in Queensland’s far north, and we encourage people to keep a close eye on these in the coming days," she said.
"There continues to be a moderate chance that a tropical cyclone will form in the northern Coral Sea over the next few days, increasing to high from mid-week."
Stay up to date with the latest weather updates on the BOM Website.
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