Residents in far north Queensland are bracing for impact as Cyclone Jasper barrels towards the coastline.
The storm is currently a category one system but is expected to intensify to a category two by the time it makes landfall.
According to the latest tracking map, Jasper slowed down overnight and is now forecast to cross the coast late this afternoon or evening between Hopevale and Cairns.
As of early Wednesday morning, the cyclone was estimated to be 180 kilometres northeast of Cairns and 180 kilometres east of Cooktown, and was moving at a pace of 7 kilometres per hour.
Locals are being warned up to 500mm of rain could fall over the next 24 hours, along destructive winds and flash flooding.
“Locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life threatening flash flooding is forecast to develop from this afternoon along the coast and adjacent ranges between Cape Flattery and Port Douglas as well as areas near the centre of Tropical Cyclone Jasper,” the weather bureau said.
“Isolated six-hourly rainfall totals between 250 to 300 mm are likely with 24-hourly totals between 400 to 500 mm possible.
“Destructive wind gusts of up to 140 km/h may develop near and south of the track between Wujal Wujal and Innisfail, including Cairns from this afternoon.
A flood watch remains in place for the North Tropical Coast, parts of the Cape York Peninsula and Gulf Country.
“As the cyclone approaches the coast, a storm tide is expected between Cooktown and Lucinda on the high tides on Wednesday,” BOM said.
“Large waves may produce minor flooding along 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.”
Cairns Airport is now closed to all flights, with the runway open for emergencies only.
