A tropical low bearing down on Queensland is no longer expected to reach tropical cyclone intensity.
The low, which strengthened overnight, was bringing winds of up to 55km/h, with gusts up to 85km/h, on Wednesday afternoon.
It was being tracked as it moved east at 15km/h in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
While the Bureau of Meteorology cancelled a cyclone warning between Karumba and Cape Keerweer, flood warnings remained in place for a host of waterways including the Ross, Georgina, Diamantina and Bohle Rivers, along with Eyre Creek.
"The low has moved rapidly eastwards during the day and is now close to the coast," forecasters said.
The system prompted disaster management groups to be on alert and coastal communities to brace for the worst.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told parliament there was uncertainty around the system.
"As Queenslanders know all too well, cyclones are consistently inconsistent," she said.
Emergency services reminded people to be cautious around floodwaters after three people in Burketown had a lucky escape after trying to drive through an overflowing river.
"Ensure your supplies are well stocked as some areas may become isolated for several days," Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) regional director Wayne Coutts said.
