Emergency Services minister Craig Crawford said QFES was working with communities from Mapoon to Kowanyama, Burketown, Mornington Island and Doomadgee.

“QFES has been advised by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) that Tropical Cyclone Nora could move into the Gulf of Carpentaria in the coming days,” Mr Crawford said.

“Our staff and volunteers in the Gulf of Carpentaria and far north Queensland are supporting local communities and are in constant contact with Local Disaster Management Groups to support those who could be impacted by this event.

“It is very important that residents from Thursday Island, right along the western side of Cape York and down to Normanton and the border with the Northern Territory prepare for possible strong winds and heavy rainfall.”

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the far north had resources available to deploy at short notice, should they be required.

“Strike teams made up of technical rescue firefighters with specialised swift-water capability, SES volunteers, Emergency Management Coordinators (EMCs) and senior officers are being established,” she said.

“These crews will have the ability to fly into any area requiring assistance within four hours of being notified and will be self-sustaining for 48 hours.

“Staff in Far Northern Region and Northern Region are working closely to plan and coordinate resourcing and are being supported by our State Operations Centre to make sure equipment and personnel are well positioned to respond quickly to any area impacted by this event.”

The SES can be contacted on 132 500 but if it is a life-threatening emergency call Triple Zero immediately. Queenslanders looking for tips on how to prepare for a severe weather event or for more details on emergency kits should visit getready.qld.gov.au.