Queensland communities in the path of a forecast tropical cyclone are being urged to prepare for dangerous flooding and destructive winds.
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A tropical low intensifying over the Coral Sea is expected to be declared Tropical Cyclone Kirrily overnight on January 23 or on January 24, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Kirrily is most likely to cross the Queensland coast as a category 3 system overnight on January 25 somewhere between Cardwell and Airlie Beach, senior meteorologist Laura Boekel said.
"The chance of a severe tropical cyclone on landfall remains but that risk has slightly decreased overnight," Ms Boekel said.
Heavy and intense rainfall is expected as the system moves inland and south, dumping significant rain on already saturated catchments.
"This could be a very widespread as well as a very long-duration event," Ms Boekel said.
Coastal communities between Cardwell and Bowen, including Townsville, are warned of destructive winds up to 150kmh developing on January 25.
Premier Steven Miles warned widespread flooding was likely to follow Tropical Cyclone Kirrily's landfall and affect highly populated areas such as Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton.
"It's incredibly important that individuals and households prepare themselves - the Get Ready website is a fantastic resource - that's the best way to make sure you don't need assistance from our volunteers and our SES," Mr Miles said.
Residents and visitors on Queensland's east coast are urged to stay informed with updates and warnings from the Bureau, as well as their local council.
Communities still recovering from December floods
It comes a month after floods devastated parts of Far North Queensland in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Jasper made landfall as a category 2 system near Wujal Wujal, 170km north of Cairns, on December 13.
A deluge of rain in the following week inundated towns, damaging hundreds of homes and leaving residents stranded on rooftops and in trees.
Recovery efforts are still under way with the major highway between Cairns and Port Douglas reopened on January 20 following extensive damage in the floods.
It was among more than 650 kilometres of state-controlled roads requiring inspection and repairs before reopening after the disaster.
Premier Steven Miles said the expected cost from the December weather disasters would total multiple billions of dollars.
