Townsville and communities further north on Queensland's coast have been warned to brace themselves for another likely brush with Cyclone Nathan.
The category two storm is expected to intensify to at least a category three, and turn towards the north Queensland coast on Thursday or Friday.
Nathan came very close to Cooktown, north of Cairns, last week before making a u-turn and heading back out to sea.
But Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Rick Threlfall says modelling indicates the cyclone isn't yet done with Queensland.
"We're monitoring the situation very carefully but it is likely that turn will happen," he told the ABC on Monday.
"There's still quite considerable uncertainty exactly where it will cross the coast if it does that."
Forecasters hope to have a better idea of where Nathan might make landfall in the next 24 to 48 hours.
"Anywhere further south of (Townsville) doesn't look too likely at this stage."
Mr Threlfall said residents and anyone heading to north Queensland should keep a close eye on weather forecasts.
Nathan remains a category two storm about 520km east, northeast of Cooktown.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones said north Queensland operators were preparing for the cyclone's arrival and potential aftermath.
"We are very experienced at working with tourism operators on the ground to ensure that they are getting ready for the cyclone," Ms Jones said.
"We'll continue to work hand-in-hand with tourism operators to ensure that we can minimise damage."
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