North East Queensland experienced an unusual September downpour this week due to mixed weather influences.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster, Doug Fraser, confirmed the rainfall was caused by an upper trough forming over the Coral Sea which moved from the north east causing a cloud ban. This was combined with moisture brought by lower level on shore winds.
“Because of those two influences we saw a ban over North Queensland and especially the Cassowary Coast,” Mr Fraser said.
“Showers developed Monday evening, set in Tuesday and by Wednesday morning it had cleared.
“The total rainfall received throughout the downpour saw Babinda receive the most with 230 millimetres, which is heavy rain for this time of year.
“Innisfail had between 100mm up to 150 mm, Tully between 100-140mm, Tablelands 30-100mm, Ingham 20-50 mm and just to the north Cardwell Gap ended up with 40mm.
“Everywhere around North East Queensland picked up some rain but it varied considerably for example Tinaroo Dam only received 6mm but Mareeba recorded 10mm.”
Mr Fraser said this was well above average rainfall for September with Innisfail’s average 83mm, South Johnson 84mm and Mareeba 4mm.
“This is unusual but it is not record breaking,” he said.
There were no reports of flooding but there were warnings for the Cassowary Coast Region.
The heavy rainfall triggered high turbidity in the Bulgun Creek intake system, Council isolated the southern Mission Beach area from the supply source and is now being supplied solely from clear water storage in Council reservoirs at Mission Beach.
Council reported that the Mission Beach region consumption was quite high and as a consequence the reservoir storage is at critical.
Mission Beach residents have been reminded to be mindful of the criticality of the supply situation and reduce their water consumption as a priority and abide by the Level 2 water restrictions.
The boil water alert was also extended to the following areas: Tully town, Feluga, East Feluga, Bulgun, Jarra Ck, Tully Heads, Hull Heads, Silky Oak and Euramo.
The BOM forecasts no more rain is expected with a lengthy period of fine weather ahead. Moderately fine conditions are expected for North East Queensland between 28 to 30 degrees.