Major flood warnings remain in effect for several catchments and rivers, with one river likely to reach major levels, potentially cutting off the Bruce Highway, near Ayr.

This comes as another state remains on high alert for a possible tropical cyclone.

Senior Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury warned there was no relief in sight for parts of the state, as extensive rain and storms are forecast for today.

Herbert River, Haughton River, Cape River, Upper Burdekin and Lower Burdekin Rivers and Flinders River are facing major flooding today.

The Cape River at Taemas is currently at 8.76m and continues to rise.

A severe weather warning remains in place for the North Tropical Coast and Tablelands, as well as the Herbert and Lower Burdekin forecast districts.

Heavy rainfall is expected between Tully and Ayr over the weekend and into the early part of the week.

“Heavy rainfall which may to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is forecast for parts of the Herbert and Lower Burdekin and the North Tropical Coast this weekend,” Bureau of Meteorology said.

“The six-hourly rainfall totals between 120 to 180 mm are possible. Isolated 24-hourly rainfall totals up to 250mm are possible.

“Conditions are expected to temporarily ease from early this morning, with the potential for isolated heavy falls to return by this evening or early Monday morning.

“Heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.”

The heaviest rainfall totals recorded include 274mm at Halifax, 236mm at Gairloch and 150mm at Ingham.

“Wet weather will continue for much of today, with extensive rain and storms forecast for central and northern Queensland,” Bradbury said.

“The North Tropical coast will remain the focal point for heavier falls through (today).”

State prepares for possible tropical cyclone

Communities in Western Australia remain on watch for a possible tropical cyclone, according to Bradbury.

“Tropical low 18U is not yet a tropical cyclone but may strengthen to tropical cyclone intensity in the next 24 hours. If and when it reaches tropical cyclone strength, the system would be called Tropical Cyclone Zelia,” she said.

The tropical low is currently located near the Kimberley coast, with communities between Cockatoo Island, Bidjuanga and Broome all under a cyclone watch.

“In this watch area, we may see gales developing as early as Monday morning,” Bradbury said.

“We’re also likely to see rain increasing as well, likely from later on (today), with large waves also a risk as winds increase.”

The tropical low could reach tropical cyclone intensity later today or tomorrow.