A Cyclone Watch has been declared for areas between Cape Flattery and Lucinda, including the Douglas Shire as a tropical low hovers off the coast in the Coral Sea.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the tropical low, which at 10:00am was located 270 kilometres east of Cairns, may produce gales about exposed parts of the north tropical coast as it develops into a tropical cyclone, most likely on Tuesday, however, a direct coastal impact is not expected.

“The tropical low is expected to remain slow moving off the north tropical coast while continuing to develop,” the Bureau said. 

“It is expected to reach tropical cyclone strength on Tuesday morning. Although a direct coastal impact is not expected, gales are possible about exposed coastal and island areas as the system reaches cyclone strength. Heavy rainfall is also likely.

“In the longer term, the system is expected to take a southeasterly track late in the week while remaining off the coast.

“Gales are not expected during the next 24 hours, however gales with gusts to 100km/h may develop about exposed coastal and island areas between Cape Flattery and Lucinda, including Cairns and Innisfail, on Tuesday morning depending on the movement and development of the system.

“Heavy rainfall may develop about coastal and island areas between Cape Flattery and Lucinda, including Cairns and Innisfail, over the next several days. A Flood Watch is current for the north tropical coast between Mission Beach and Rollingstone.

“Abnormally high tides are likely over the next several days. Large waves may produce 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.”

People between Cape Flattery and Lucinda, including Port Douglas, Mossman, Cairns, and Innisfail, should consider what action they will need to take if the cyclone threat increases.