Heavy rainfall has battered the Cassowary Coast as emergency services continue to urge residents and commuters to stay out of floodwaters.

Innisfail was hit with 240 millimetres of rain in the 24 hours prior to 9am on Tuesday while Tully and Babinda copped more than 100mm each.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the low pressure system is drifting north with Cairns expected to receive 115mm between now and Saturday. 

View current rainfall figures for the region

Main Roads closures for Cairns and Far North

Authorities say they’ve made seven swift water rescues in recent days, leading them to issue a warning.

Rescuers were forced into action as late as Tuesday evening, whisking four people from rising waters on the Mossman River near Finlayvale.

It’s believed two people riding in a canoe fell out of their vessel while travelling along the river.

Bystanders came to their aid but also became stranded near the river’s edge.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ Clint Tunnie told ABC Far North crewmembers often risked their own lives to save others.

"There is a number of risks our crews are facing whenever they go out and deal with that, it's not only the risks we can observe but there are the underwater risks as well," Mr Tunnie said.

"The way the water moves, the speed and the velocity that it comes through these creeks and rivers is something to be held in awe whenever we are working in these areas.

"It's really common sense, if weather warnings are released try and avoid the area if you can."

Cassowary Coast and Tablelands Regional Council have advised residents to boil drinking water until further notice.