Tropical Cyclone Debbie is strengthening quickly on its journey to make landfall, likely between Lucinda and Proserpine on Monday or Tuesday.

Today, winds are already picking up along the Queensland Coast, with a strong wind warning in place for the Townsville and Mackay Coasts. 

Winds will steadily increase tomorrow as the system strengthens on approach, with gales possible between St Lawrence and Cape Tribulation. Showers will become frequent tomorrow with the odd thunderstorm and seas will also pick up considerably.

On Monday and Tuesday, the worst of the systems impacts are likely to strike near the centre of the system or just to its south. At this stage, very destructive wind gusts are likely to peak between 226km/h and 280km/h (category 4 strength).

A flood watch is in place for coastal river catchments between Cooktown and Mackay, extending inland to the eastern Gulf River catchments. Most of this region will see rain totals for the event exceed 250mm, with some locations potentially receiving more than 500mm.

– Rob Sharpe, Weatherzone