A MONSOON low building off the coast of Innisfail in Far North Queensland has a high chance of developing into a severe tropical cyclone named Niran on Tuesday.
The tropical low is currently 175 kilometres east south-east of Cairns and 135 kilometres east of Innisfail and is traveling south-west at eight kilometres per hour.
Heavy rainfall of more than 100mm has fallen along the coast and ranges between Cape Flattery and Lucinda.
The tropical low will remain off the coast while intensifying over the next two days and is likely to take a south-easterly track away from the coast as a category 3 cyclone.
So far, the low has sustained winds near the centre of 65km/h with wind gusts to 95km/h.
Gales with gusts to 100km/h may develop on Tuesday afternoon depending on the movement and development of the system.
A flood watch is current for the north tropical coast between Mission Beach and Rollingstone.
The Bureau of Meteorology said a tropical low has been near-stationary off the north tropical coast in the past 12 hours, and is expected to remain slow-moving while continuing to develop today and Tuesday.
Direct impact from the centre of the cyclone moving onto the coast is unlikely, however the system may remain close enough to the coast to cause gales about exposed coastal fringes and island communities.
Townsville BoM radar offline
The Townsville radar is currently out of service and bureau technicians have identified the cause as radar equipment failure.
A Bureau of Meteorology spokesperson said they are working to bring the Townsville radar back online.
"Forecasts and warnings are not impacted as we draw data from a range of sources," the spokesperson said.
"Locals can refer to the Bowen radar for updates."
- For emergency assistance call the Queensland State Emergency Service on 132 500 (for assistance with storm damage, rising flood water, fallen trees on buildings or roof damage).