A tropical cyclone has formed off the coast of Queensland and will intensify within hours.
The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed Cyclone Paul had formed in the north-eastern Coral Sea early on Thursday morning.
The cyclone is currently in a category two system, but is expected to intensify to category three on Thursday evening.
The storm system will weaken Friday, but could bring wind gusts up to 58 mph.
The cyclone is located approximately 1,000 km east of Cairns and no immediate impact on Queensland is expected.
The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed Cyclone Paul had formed in the north-eastern Coral Sea early on Thursday morning
The cyclone is currently in a category two system, but is expected to intensify to category three on Thursday evening
Cyclone Paul is the eighth tropical cyclone to form in the Australian region this year.
The BOM had said there was a small chance of the cyclone forming on Wednesday, but warm sea temperatures allowed it to intensify on Thursday.
“Based on current model guidance, Tropical Cyclone Paul is not expected to move as a tropical cyclone near the Australian mainland,” Weatherzone said.
More to come