“It is forecast to intensify to Category 3 or Severe Tropical Cyclone strength before turning back toward the western coast of Cape York Peninsula,” Mr Gunn said.

The news comes as Mornington Shire Council CEO Frank Mills confirmed that two extra flights out of Mornington Island have been scheduled for tomorrow.

“If there’s a need for any more after that, they will review it,” Mr Mills said.

“We go through this up to four times a wet season but this one caught us a little off guard because it developed so rapidly.”

“Generally we get a lot more lead in time,” he said.

According to the BOM Cyclone Owen is already producing heavy rainfall around the Gulf coast.

A Flood Watch is already in place for catchments in the Gulf of Carpentaria and southern Cape York Peninsula.

"Following this, some models bring the cyclone overland and down Queensland's east coast with widespread heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds throughout the week and into the weekend.

"This is an evolving situation, with the potential to be a high-impact event so it's important that the community follow official warnings on the cyclone's forecast track and associated impacts including flooding, damaging to destructive winds and storm activity.

"We are urging the public to stay tuned for updated warnings, be aware of local conditions and always follow the advice of local emergency services," Mr Gunn said.