WEATHER WATCH: Chance of cyclone on rise, but heavy rain likely to be main threat
Shire outlook
There is a 45 per cent chance of a monsoonal low currently sitting north of Willis Island off the coast of Port Douglas turning into a cyclone by Friday night, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Regardless of whether Tropical Low 12U does become Tropical Cyclone Koji, Far North Queensland residents can expect a bucketload of rain and strong winds across the next few days.
“(There is an) increasing risk of a tropical cyclone off the northeast Queensland coast on Friday night or Saturday morning,” according to the BoM.
“A Severe Weather Warning and Flood Watches and Warnings are current.
“Residents in these areas should monitor forecasts and warnings for updates.”
Monsoon low 12U is likely to move west towards the northeast Queensland coast across the next day or so.
The low is likely to develop as it moves closer to the coast on Friday night and Saturday morning, while the risk of a tropical cyclone decreases from Sunday.
Queensland Police are reminding people not to put their lives at risk by driving through flood waters.
Acting Chief Superintendent Dean Cavanagh urged motorists to check road conditions.
“Floodwater is extremely dangerous, as it’s impossible to judge the depth, current or damage to roads beneath the surface,” he said.
“The message is simple – if it is flooded forget it.”
Police and other emergency crews have been part of multiple rescues from floodwaters during the past week, including one west of Cairns on Monday, where a man was winched to safety.
Drivers are reminded that it is an offence to drive through floodwater when a sign is erected and motorists may be issued with fines for careless driving.
A car can be swept away in just 15cm of water and vehicles can lose power if driven in floodwater, making escape extremely difficult, according to police.
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