UPDATE 11:00am:

Tropical cyclone Niran is expected to remain off the north Tropical Coast while intensifying into a Category two system this afternoon.

The latest update from the Bureau of Meteorology has Tropical Cyclone Niran approximately 265km northeast of Cairns and 240 kilometres east of Cooktown.

The system remains slow moving, travelling at seven kilometres an hour with wind guests of 120 kilometres per hour.

The Cyclone Warning Zone has shifted to include Cape Flattery to Mission Beach, while communities between Cape Melville to Cape Flattery and Mission Beach to Lucinda are on Cyclone Watch.

“A coastal crossing is not expected. However, as the cyclone develops, it may extend gales about the coastal and island communities tonight or on Wednesday,” the Bureau said.

In the longer term, the cyclone is expected to remain off the coast and take a southeasterly track from Thursday onwards, away from the coast as a category three system.

“Gales with gusts to 100km/h may develop about coastal and island communities between Cape Flattery and Mission Beach tonight or during Wednesday morning. Gales may extend further south to Lucinda or between Cape Melville and Cape Flattery on Wednesday night, as the cyclone intensifies or if it drifts closer to the coast on Wednesday.

“Localised heavy rainfall may occur about the coastal and island communities due to the moist onshore flow. Heavier falls may occur on Wednesday as the cyclone intensifies or if it tracks slightly closer to the coast.

“Abnormally high tides and large waves may cause minor flooding near the foreshore. People likely to be affected should take measures to protect their property as much as possible and be prepared to help their neighbours.”

EARLIER:

Tropical Cyclone Niran has formed off the Far North Coast this morning and is slowly moving north east as it hovers in the Coral Sea.

The Category one system was last recorded sitting 275 kilometres northeast of Cairns and 265 kilometres east of Cooktown, moving northeast at 16 kilometres per hour, with wind gusts up to 120 kilometres per hour.

A Cyclone warning is in place for communities between Cape Flattery to Lucinda while regions between Cape Melville to Cape Flattery are on Cyclone watch.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the cyclone is expected to continue moving slowly to the northeast during today, before becoming slow-moving or drifting back slowly to the west, towards the coast this evening into Wednesday.

“Niran is expected to continue intensifying over the next day or two,” the Bureau said.

“A coastal crossing by the core of the cyclone is not expected, however gales may develop within the warning zone late this evening or Wednesday morning if the cyclone adopts a track further to the west.

In the longer term, the system is expected to take a southeasterly track away from the coast from Thursday as a Category three cyclone.

Areas south of the Douglas Shire copped a drenching overnight with Mission Beach recording 216mm of rain in the last 24 hours, while nearby Clump point received 274mm. Tully recorded 133mm while Cairns Airport hit 109mm.

Closer to home a lot less rain was felt with Low Isles recording 31mm while Whyanbeel received just 19mm.

Hazards:

Gales with gusts to 100km/h may develop about coastal and island communities between Cape Flattery and Innisfail late this evening or during Wednesday morning, and then extend further south to Lucinda later on Wednesday if the system tracks a significant distance to the west and closer to the coast. Gales may also develop between Cape Melville and Cape Flattery later on Wednesday.

Heavy rainfall has eased along the north tropical coast, but may redevelop late this evening or during Wednesday in the warning area if the cyclone tracks closer to the coast. A Flood Watch and several flood warnings are current for the north tropical coast between Cooktown and Rollingstone.

Abnormally high tides and large waves may cause minor flooding near the foreshore. People likely to be affected should take measures to protect their property as much as possible and be prepared to help their neighbours.

Recommended Action:

People between Cape Flattery and Lucinda should take precautions.

For cyclone preparedness and safety advice, visit Queensland's Disaster Management Services website www.disaster.qld.gov.au 
For emergency assistance call the Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage.