Far north Queensland residents told to seek higher ground as tropical low heads for coast

Far north Queensland residents told to seek higher ground as tropical low heads for coast Up to 240mm of rain expected to fall in six hours on Friday, BoM says, which could lead to dangerous flash flooding Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Far north Queensland residents are being told to seek higher ground with warnings of severe weather and heavy rain on the way. The region is bracing for a tropical low to cross the coast but many locals have been told to leave due to flooding. Police issued a flood emergency warning for the Daintree River at 9.30pm on Thursday, saying flash flooding was occurring and residents should move to safety. In other areas, sandbag stations were in place on Friday morning with heavy rain, flooding and damaging winds forecast on Friday as the tropical low tracks north-east of Cairns. Up to 240mm of rain was expected to fall in a six-hour period on Friday, which could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, the Bureau of Meteorology said. The Daintree ferry came loose from its moorings in the wild conditions. Council and emergency crews planned to attempt to retrieve the vessel once conditions allow, said Douglas shire’s mayor, Lisa Scomazzon. Sign up: AU Breaking News email “We ask for everyone’s patience and understanding as we continue to deal with a major flooding event that is affecting the entire region,” she said. A cyclone watch was cancelled on Thursday after the system was considered a very low chance of intensifying before hitting the coast. The “disconnected” tropical low was likely to reach the coast by Friday afternoon between Cairns and Townsville before moving south-west into central Queensland at the weekend, the Bureau of Meteorology’s Angus Hines said. The Cassowary Coast mayor, Teresa Millwood, said emergency services were ready to deploy in Innisfail and Cardwell, and sandbag stations were ready if people needed them. Residen...