Tropical Low Brings Heavy Rain, Flood Worries

0:00In Adelaide, it's March 5th. Here's what is happening. A tropical low is crossing the far North Queensland coast near Innisfield this morning, packing heavy rain and gale-force winds. Areas north of there, like around Cooktown, already saw up to 366 millimeters of rain since yesterday morning. Forecasters warn a more intense downpours, with totals possibly hitting 350 millimeters in spots north of Port Douglas. A flood watch covers coastal rivers from Cooktown, down to Makai, as catchments are already soaked from recent rains. Rivers like the Herbert and Daintree just cleared major floods, but this could bring them right back up. Along the cassowary coast, up to 150 millimeters, could fall in 24 hours, stretching as far south as Townsville. Emergency crews are gearing up big time. The Queens and Fire departments send 50 extra staff from Cooktown to Halifax, including Swiftwater teams staged in high-risk spots like Mariba. Officials say they'll shift resources as the system moves.

1:01Locals are on edge after last year's devastating floods between Townsville and Karen's wrecked homes and roads. Residents in places like Ingham shared worries about repeat damage, though some hope it stays mild enough for good fishing. A watch and act alert urges folks to secure homes and outdoor items against winds. The low is fast-moving, but will drag heavy rains south along the coast for the next 48 hours, possibly reaching Makai or even Rockhampton by. Saturday, with everything so wet already, even moderate falls could spark more trouble. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor. When you need a moment alone, just lay back and listen. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com