A tropical cyclone has formed off the coast of far north Queensland, with residents told to prepare to bunker down for gale-force winds and heavy rain.
The Bureau of Meteorology on Sunday declared the formation of tropical cyclone Kimi - a category one system - northeast of Cooktown.
Kimi is expected to creep southwest and cross the north tropical coast between Cape Flattery and Port Douglas on Monday morning.
The bureau warned it may rise to a category two rating before crossing.
Cape Melville and Cardwell residents have been advised to immediately start preparing for the cyclone, securing boats and property during daylight hours.
Gale-force winds up to 120km/h are tipped to hit those areas from Sunday evening before extending to Palmerville and Chillagoe on Monday as the cyclone moves inland.
A flood watch has also been activated, with heavy rainfall forecast about coastal and adjacent inland areas between Cape Flattery and Cardwell from Sunday afternoon.
