Tropical Cyclone Owen has turned backed towards Queensland coast with forecasters now saying it's likely to make landfall on Saturday.
The Bureau of Meteorology said it has begun to move eastwards and will continue to strengthen as it moves east. It could develop to a category four cyclone, with gusts of 280km/h, when it crosses the Gulf of Carpentaria's southern coastline.
Forecasters had expected that to happen on Friday, but now say a Saturday crossing between Gilbert River Mouth to Pormpuraaw is likely.
"It will approach the coast later on today and into this evening, but it 's now looking like early tomorrow morning," Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jonte Hall told ABC radio on Friday.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says authorities are worried about the possibility of landslides if heavy rain hits central Queensland, where landscapes have been destroyed by recent bushfires.
But she says authorities are well prepared, both in the cyclone danger zone and elsewhere as the state braces for very wet weather.
Extra rescue and emergency crews have been sent into the cyclone warning area.
