A tropical low has developed into Cyclone Zane, a category one storm, with areas as far south as Cape Tribulation being affected, a spokesperson for the Bureau of Meteorology announced this morning.

The cyclone is currently moving at around 17km per hour and is situated 600km East-Northeast of Cooktown. The system is expected to reach landfall near Lockhart River on Wednesday afternoon or evening.

Areas South of Cape Tribulation, including Port Douglas and Mossman, are not expected to be heavily impacted by the system, with stronger winds and the potential for moderate rainfall forecast.

A strong wind warning on the water is currently in place between Lockhart River and Mackay, and this will be revised this afternoon to a gale warning (in excess of 34 knots) between Cape Grenville and Cairns.

A warning has also been issued for coastal rivers and adjacent inland streams between Cairns and Thursday Island due to the potential dangers caused by rainfall from the cyclone.