Cyclone Nora is beginning to be felt in coastal areas of the Cape York Peninsula.
The tropical cyclone has slightly weakened as it nears land on the western side of the cape, although is remains a category 3 system.
The eye wall of Nora was impacting the coast near Cape Keerweer around 10pm AEST and had begun to track south southeast, parallel to the coast.
The system is expected to cross the coast between Cape Keerweer and Gilbert River Mouth overnight or Sunday morning.
Nora is expected to become weaker and slower moving over land. If the cyclone remains over water and tracks parallel to the coast it will not weaken as quickly and may persist into early next week.
Very destructive winds up to 190kmh may develop between Aurukun and Kowanyama, this evening or overnight, as the core of the cyclone nears the coast. Winds up to 170kmh may develop
Destructive winds up to 170kmh may hit coastal areas between Weipa and Kowanyama this evening and gales up to 120kmh may extend south to Gilbert River Mouth Sunday morning and as far as Mornington Island and the Northern Territory/Queensland border later on Sunday or Monday.
"This is a severe cyclone," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"There are going to be very strong winds."
If the 100km-wide core of Nora hits populated areas, roof and structural damage could be caused.
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding is still expected, with estimates up to 200mm of rain could fall daily, with isolated pockets possibly being hit with 300mm.
Minor flooding is likely to occur from the Cape possibly down to Townsville.
As part of extensive preparations, swift water rescue crews have been stationed along the Gulf and up the western coast of Cape York.
Ms Palaszczuk urged the estimated 10,000 people in regions forecast to be affected later today and tomorrow to seek shelter in strong structures above storm tide areas.
"Once you are in your homes this evening, you should not leave your homes," she said.
"The winds are going to pick up in those communities and we want you to remain safe."
Mayors are working with the state government on plans to supply areas that will be hit by Nora and could be cut off for days after.
BoM Queensland manager Bruce Gunn said it was good news Nora was no longer expected to intensify into a category 4 storm.
"But it's still a very severe category system with very destructive winds at its core," he said.
People in the forecast path of Nora still have a few hours to prepare and state disaster coordinator deputy commissioner Bob Gee advised they use the time wisely to ensure their safety.
"Lock down tonight, safe and secure, take your supplies with you and stay there until it is safe to come out," he said.
SES leaders and extra police have been deployed to remote communities to assist but when Nora hits it will be too dangerous for anyone to be outside.
It comes after Tropical Cyclone Marcus left Darwin battered and bruised last week.
The active system has begun to weaken as it moves well away from the mainland of Western Australia.
© Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2018
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