A tropical low off the coast of north Queensland that's due to develop into a cyclone on Friday is expected to create strong winds and gales along the state's east coast.
Provisionally named Gretel, the system will form over the Coral Sea about 10pm on Friday although it will steer away from the coast, the Bureau of Meteorology's Rosa Hoff said.
Warnings for strong winds and gales are in place from Cairns to the NSW border.
"With an active monsoon and strong winds along the coast we have seen some higher rainfall totals particularly in areas where the winds are strong," Ms Hoff said.
She said the township of Tully, about 140km south of Cairns, received 193mm in the 24 hours to 9am Thursday.
- AAP
