Cyclone fears in north Queensland as heavy rain begins falling near Cairns

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/28/cyclone-fears-north-queensland-heavy-rain

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Heavy rain is already falling in north Queensland as a potential cyclone moves towards the coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology says a tropical low-pressure system is sitting about 950km east north-east of Cooktown and moving west towards the coast.

The main mass of the system is due to make landfall somewhere between Cardwell and Cooktown late on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

Forecaster Mark Trenorden says there is a 50% chance it will form into a cyclone.

But even if it doesn't, it will still bring heavy rain and gale-force winds.

"It's possible, but we're not sure about that," Trenorden said.

"It hasn't been developing much overnight."

Falls of over 100mm have already been recorded north and south of Cairns.