Narelle was a tropical cyclone in the Coral Sea late Wednesday Australian Eastern time Time, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center said in its latest advisory. Flash flooding can occur well inland and away from the storm’s center. Even weaker storms can produce excessive rainfall that can flood low-lying areas.

Cape York business owner Sarah Watkins said the community was prepared but anxious as Tropical Cyclone Narelle bears down.

“Thankfully, it's going to avoid the major centre of Cairns and Port Douglas is just on the very far southern extent of risk,” he said.