Cyclone Yasi is 400 miles wide and bearing down on an area which has already suffered from devastating floods.
The state premier, Anna Bligh, has described it as a "monster, killer storm" and she predicted deadly surges inland.
Sea levels are expected to rise significantly and will lead to flooding of low lying coastal areas according to an official forecast.
Yasi will also bring damaging waves and strong currents.
A strong monsoon is also feeding the cyclone and this could lead to it maintaining strength as sweeps inland, potentially up to 600 miles to the
outback mining city of Mount Isa.
news.sky.com
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