If it’s flooded forget it!, Mount Isa

Mt Isa police are urging all motorists to drive to the conditions and heed road closure signs following heavy rainfall overnight.

Officer in Charge of the Mount Isa Road Policing Unit, Sergeant Shaune English said motorists should exercise caution in the wet, and alter their driving behaviour to the conditions.

“Following overnight rain, the Leichardt River through Mount Isa is continuing to flow resulting in several causeways being closed to vehicles,” Sergeant English said.

“Reports have been received in relation to vehicles ignoring the road closure signs. Water depth and flow can be deceptive and dangerous and with this in mind – motorists are urged to stay away from flooded roads.

“Additionally, playing in flooded rivers can be just as dangerous as driving through them and several deaths have resulted over the years from people being washed away in flood waters,” Sergeant English said.

Vehicles found driving beyond road closure signs can receive on-the-spot fines of $660. If their manner of driving places themselves or others in danger they may also face criminal charges.