A tropical low off far north Queensland could brew into a tropical cyclone in the new year, but even if it doesn't, people there will face damaging winds and continued heavy rain.
The low is expected to drift west and reach the warm waters of the Gulf of Carpenteria where it could intenstify, says Jonathon How of the Bureau of Meteorology.
"At this stage there is a moderate chance of it developing into a tropical cyclone on Monday or Tuesday, and if it does it will be named Tropical Cyclone Penny," he said on Sunday.
Peak wind gusts of 90 kilometres per hour, heavy rainfall, and tides are forecast around the Torres Strait and Cape York.
The BOM says even if the tropical low doesn't become a cyclone, northern Queensland can still expect strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The forecast path shown above is the Bureau of Meteorology's best estimate of the cyclone's future movement and intensity. Source: Bureau of Meteorology
Mr How says there is a severe weather warning for heavy rain and damaging winds for areas north of Cairns and a floodwatch.
The area has already had heavy rainfall with 452 millimetres at Cairns and 800mm at the Daintree by early Sunday.
The deluge has the potential to cause flash flooding and has swollen rivers and creeks.
A land and water search was underway on Sunday for a 34-year-old woman missing in rapid floodwaters.
The woman was last seen walking into fast-flowing Wallaby Creek at Rossville, north of Cairns, on Thursday.
Queensland Emergency Services has advised north Queenslanders on Facebook that with rain and severe weather around, it was a good time to make sure their preparations were in order, such as emergency kits.
It should include food and water, medical and sanitation supplies, a flashlight with extra batteries, battery powered or wind-up radio, fully charged mobile phone and charger, clothing and footwear, tools and supplies and important documents," QFES says.
