Residents of the Northern Territory town of Nhulunbuy are preparing themselves for the arrival of Cyclone Monica, expected to reach the coast on Sunday.
The Northern Territory Bureau of Meteorology has upgraded the cyclone to category five, the highest rating, as wind speeds reach 290 km/h.
Forecasters say there is a chance the system will track further north, and not cross the mainland.
However, more than 100 people have already been evacuated from low-lying areas in north-east Arnhem Land as authorities prepare for the cyclone's arrival.