Cyclone Nathan is set to have a major impact as a category three system, or higher, when it hits far north Queensland, forecasters expect.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a cyclone watch zone for Cape Melville and Cardwell as part of its update on Tuesday evening.
It comes as forecasters recommend communities from Cape Melville down towards Innisfail brace for a severe tropical cyclone by the end of the week.
While gales are not expected over the next 24 hours, they may develop in the region in coming days.
Residents in the area should watch for a dangerous storm tide as the cyclone crosses the coast, and expect heavy rainfall.
"There could be significant impact," forecaster Steven Hadley told AAP.
"It is likely to be a severe tropical cyclone three or higher, at this stage."
As of Tuesday, the storm cell was downgraded to a category one system off the far north Queensland coast moving south southwest at about four kilometres an hour.
It's expected to remain relatively weak until Wednesday morning, and then intensify and track back towards the coast.
Current modelling has Nathan making landfall between Cardwell and Cape Melville at 10am (AEST) on Friday.
The Bureau of Meteorology says it's expected to turn towards the coast in the next 24 to 48 hours.
"Everyone in that area from Cape Melville down towards Innisfail ... should be making the preparations right now," Mr Hadley said.
The cyclone's expected track puts Cairns in the firing line along with Cooktown, which came close to being hit by Nathan last week.
Share
