Stay informed – flood Cairns Region

Flooding as at 6.30pm Saturday 16 December

Warning level: ADVICE

Warning area: CAIRNS

This warning is from the Cairns Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG)

Persistent heavy rain is impacting the region which could lead to rapid rises in the Barron, Mulgrave and Russell Rivers.

Low-level flooding is being experienced along water ways and several roads have been impacted. The Captain Cook Highway at Thomatis Creek and access to Holloways Beach, Machans Beach and Yorkeys Knob are likely to be affected.

Barron River – moderate flood warning

Rainfall totals up to 825mm have been recorded over the Barron River catchment in the 72 hours to 9am Saturday. Since 9am Saturday, further rainfall totals up to 115mm have been recorded over the Barron River catchment. Rainfall is forecast to continue for the remainder of the weekend.

The Barron River at Kamerunga Bridge may reach the moderate flood level (6.50m) Saturday evening. The river level may remain around the moderate flood level (6.50m) overnight Saturday into Sunday. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.

The Barron River at Cairns Airport is likely to remain around the minor flood level (2.50m) overnight Saturday into Sunday.

If it’s flooded, forget it

Motorists should drive to the conditions and obey warning signs and detours. Never drive, walk or ride through flood waters.

For flood and storm emergency help, call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app.

Go to the Cairns Disaster Dashboard for all warnings:

Check flood cameras at:

The next update will be sent when the situation changes.

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