UPDATE 2:30pm:

The latest update from the Bureau of Meteorology has the tropical low currently sitting 115 kilometres east southeast of Cairns, moving west at 12 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 95 kilometres per hour.

“Tropical low's recent movement has been slowly towards the west. However, it is likely to turn towards the north later today and become slow-moving during the night,” the Bureau said.

“The tropical low is expected to reach tropical cyclone strength during Tuesday.”

While coastal crossing is not expected, the system is likely to cause gales about the coastal and island communities.

The cyclone is likely to remain close to the coast while intensifying over the next two days.

In the longer term, it is likely to take a southeasterly track away from the coast as a category 3 cyclone.

Regions south of the Douglas Shire have been experiencing storms and heavy rainfall causing many road closures.

For those heading south, the Captain Cook Highway is closed to traffic in both directions near the Cairns Airport turn-off due to fallen power lines. Multiple traffic signals are out between Edmonton and Gordonvale while the Gillies Range is also closed at Little Mulgrave.

The Bruce Highway at Bellenden Kerr is impacted by fallen powerlines and there is debris on the Bruce Highway at El Arish Range.

Motorists are advised to avoid the areas if possible.

EARLIER 11:00am:

A Cyclone Watch remains for the North Tropical Coast including the Douglas Shire as the very slow-moving tropical low, with wind gusts of up to 95 kilometres per hour, continues to hover in the Coral Sea.

The system is currently sitting approximately 175 kilometres east southeast of Cairns, moving west southwest at eight kilometres per hour.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the low is expected to develop into a Tropical Cyclone on Tuesday, however, is not expected to cross the coast, before it tracks away from the coast as a category three cyclone

“Direct impact from the centre of the cyclone moving onto the coasts is unlikely, however, the system may remain close enough to the coast to cause gales about exposed coastal fringes and island communities,” the Bureau said.

“The cyclone is likely to remain off the coast while intensifying over the next two days. In the longer term, it is likely to take a southeasterly track away from the coast as a category three cyclone."

Local boaties have also been advised to prepare with the Acting Regional Harbour Master (Cairns) advising a weather event is likely to affect the Port of Port Douglas within 24 hours.

Vessel operators and owners should review their safety plans and address any outstanding matters.

Hazards

“Gales with gusts to 100km/h are likely about the exposed coastal fringes and island communities between Cape Flattery and Lucinda, including Cairns and Innisfail, during today and on Tuesday,” the Bureau said.

“Heavy rainfall is likely about the coast and ranges south of Innisfail today, possibly developing about remaining coastal and island areas between Cape Flattery and Lucinda, including Cairns and Innisfail, tonight and on Tuesday.”

The Bureau has issued a Flood Watch for the north tropical coast between Mission Beach and Rollingstone.

“Abnormally high tides are likely in the Warning area over the next several days. Large waves may cause flooding near the foreshore. People living in areas likely to be affected by this flooding 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 floodwater, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage.