Severe monsoonal floods hit far north Queensland, isolating communities and closing many roads. In the town of Normanton, a man in his 70s drowned after his car submerged in floodwaters. A brave police officer entered crocodile-filled waters to recover the man, saving what would have been a difficult recovery. Mount Isa District Acting Supt Paul Austin praised the officer. "The SES operator was able to align their vessel [with the submerged car], and one of the police officers entered into a significant depth, and was able to get into the vehicle and recover the deceased male," he said. "If he hadn’t done what he did, it certainly would have made it a very difficult operation to try and retrieve that vehicle with the deceased in it. There's some really big crocs in the Norman River … what he did was very courageous." Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described the loss as "a deep tragedy for the North West community" and stressed the need to focus on keeping roads and bridges open. McKinlay Shire Mayor Janene Fegan warned it might take weeks to assess the full damage and livestock losses. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts isolated heavy rains up to 100mm in nearby districts. "Rain and thunderstorm activity would continue but we should start to see more of an easing across more widespread areas late in the weekend into early next week," said meteorologist Miriam Bradbury. Disaster relief is active for five north Queensland councils after flooding over Christmas. Meanwhile, Western Australia braces after ex-tropical cyclone Hayley hit the Kimberley coast with 158km/h winds and 132mm rain on Tuesday, but no major damage or injuries have been reported.