Tropical Cyclone Jasper is expected to smash Australia IN DAYS bringing 250km/h winds

The first tropical cyclone of the summer is set to hit Australia within days as fears grow that it could cause massive destruction.

The Bureau of Meteorology said Cyclone Jasper has now officially formed after the weather system fully developed in the Solomon Sea, about 1,500 kilometers northeast of Cairns, off the coast of Queensland, at 4pm on Tuesday.

The Category 1 tropical cyclone is expected to strengthen rapidly as it moves south between Townville and Mackay.

The storm is expected to become a category four storm by Thursday, with dangerous winds of 155 miles per hour.

The Bureau of Meteorology said Cyclone Jasper has now officially formed after the weather system fully developed in the Solomon Sea, about 1500km northeast of Cairns, off the coast of Queensland, by 4pm on Tuesday.

The system is expected to become a Category 4 storm on Thursday, with dangerous winds of 155 mph (250 km/h) (photo stock image)

“This system is developing and intensifying,” Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Laura Boekel said Tuesday.

'According to the current official forecast trajectory, the cyclone will develop into a tropical cyclone, but also into a severe cyclone.

'It is rare for a cyclone to form earlier in the season when there is El Nino. This will be the first time we have seen a tropical cyclone in Queensland waters in December in an El Nino year.”

Even if the cyclone does not make landfall, the weather system will bring heavy rainfall along the central Queensland coast.

Locals have been urged to be prepared by ensuring they have enough food and water for at least three days and that they have their cyclone and first aid kits, medicines and raincoats packed and ready to go.

Residents should check the weather bureau's latest weather forecasts on its website.

Even if the cyclone does not make landfall, the weather system will bring heavy rainfall along the central Queensland coast