The Bureau of Meteorology is closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Nathan, which is forecast to affect the far north Queensland coast between Lockhart River and Port Douglas.

Tropical Cyclone Nathan is currently Category 2 strength and is forecast to continue tracking towards the coast before changing direction and moving away from the coast during Thursday.

Further intensification of the system to Category 3 strength is expected during Friday morning, as it moves in an easterly direction away from the coast.

Even if the very destructive core of the cyclone does not cross the coast, damaging gale force winds are forecast to impact coastal communities between Coen and Port Douglas, during today (Thursday). These winds may extend as far north as Lockhart River during Friday.

Heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding is possible for parts of the North Tropical Coast, Tablelands and Peninsula districts.

In the past 48 hours to 9am Thursday, rainfall has been heaviest south of Cairns, including:

• 431mm – Tully Gorge (Tully Catchment)
• 392mm – Bolinda Estate ( Tully Catchment)
• 383mm – Cardstone (Tully Catchment)
• 317mm – Glen Allyn (Johnstone Catchment)
• 320mm – Topaz (Johnstone Catchment)

The Bureau’s Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre and Flood Warning Centre in Brisbane are in full 24/7 operations, with forecasters monitoring the situation and providing the latest information to emergency services, media and the community.

The public are urged to closely monitor the Bureau’s website for the latest information, tune in to media and local radio and listen to the advice of emergency services.

The Bureau is using Twitter to distribute updates for the community. Follow us @BOM_Qld, and remember www.bom.gov.au remains the most up-to-date and comprehensive official source of information.

Residents are reminded to check their cyclone plans, and listen to advice from the relevant emergency services on what to do before and during a cyclone.