Tropical Cyclone Jasper is expected to bring wind gusts of up to 120 km/h to the coast and adjacent ranges between Cooktown and Innisfail from this morning.

The 8am forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology has the cyclone crossing the coast late this afternoon or this evening between Hopevale and Cairns.

Tropical Cyclone Jasper remains a category 1 system this morning but may intensify to category 2 before making landfall.

It should weaken quickly as it moves inland over Cape York Peninsula tonight.

Intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous flash flooding is forecast to develop from this afternoon along the coast and adjacent ranges between Cape Flattery and Port Douglas as well as areas near the centre of Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

Isolated six-hourly rainfall totals between 250 to 300mm are likely with 24-hourly totals between 400 to 500 mm possible, the Bureau says.

The forecast warns of destructive wind gusts of up to 140 km/h developing near and south of the track between Wujal Wujal and Innisfail, including Cairns, this afternoon.

Damaging wind gusts of up to 120 km/h are expected to develop in that same range this morning while gusts to 90 km/h are possible further south to Cardwell and north to Cape Melville. They will then extend inland to the Atherton Tablelands and as far as Palmerville and Chillagoe tonight, after the cyclone has crossed the coast.

A flood watch is current for the North Tropical Coast, parts of the Cape York Peninsula and Gulf Country.

As the cyclone approaches the coast, a storm tide is expected between Cooktown and Lucinda on the high tides on Wednesday. Large waves may produce minor flooding along the foreshore.

People living in areas likely to be affected by this flooding should take measures to protect their property as much as possible and be prepared to help their neighbours.

Image at top of page: the Tropical Cyclone Jasper forecast track map issued at 8.03am today.