TROPICAL Cyclone Iris has reformed in the Coral Sea of the coast of Far North Queensland.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the cyclone is about 310km east of Cairns and 330km northeast of Townsville.

The Bureau says Iris, which is moving southwest at 13km/h, could continue to develop but is not expected to cross the coast.

A severe weather warning was issued earlier today as the Bureau flagged the probability of the system redeveloping into a cyclone.

“She has shown some pretty significant signs of development in the last 24 hours,” senior forecaster Diana Eadie has told ABC radio.

“We have increased the tropical cyclone likelihood from low to moderate for today, and to high on Tuesday.”

Damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall is possible about coastal and island areas between Rollingstong and Sarina as a the cyclone makes its closest approach to the coast.

Heavy downpours may lead to flash flooding from tonight while six hours totals of 100 to 150m are likely with local falls up to 250mm, BoM also expect 24 hours totals of 200-300mm.

Emergency services personnel have been sent to central and far north Queensland ahead of wild weather tracking towards the coast.

Extreme weather outlook Extreme weather outlook

A flood watch has been issued for Cairns to Rockhampton with potentially significant flooding likely.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s duty forecaster said heavy rain was likely in some areas.

“There’s the possibility of a few hundred millimetres of rain in some areas,” he said.

Moderate to major flooding is possible next week, particularly in areas that have recently received heavy rainfall in the past few weeks.

Catchments including the Herbert River, Tully River, Ross and Bohle Rivers could be impacted.

Mackay could have up to 120mm of rain today while Townsville could have falls of up to 90mm on Tuesday.

The bureau said the location of the heaviest falls depended on the movement of the low.

Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said extra swiftwater and SES floodboat crews had been deployed into central Queensland.

“We’ve been hit hard by severe weather events over the past few weeks, and with more heavy rain and strong winds around the corner, I know we will once again see QFES personnel right across Queensland step up to the job,” he said.

“Extra crews have been deployed to bolster the response capability. These crews can be moved to areas most likely to be impacted by heavy rain as the track of the weather system becomes clearer.”

QFES Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner John Bolger reminded residents to prepare for heavy rain and strong winds.

“Have a plan in place in case the situation changes quickly,” Mr Bolger advised.

The southeast is also facing a wet start to the week with a medium chance of rain in Brisbane on Monday.