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Tropical cyclone looms with up to 100km/h winds expected

A tropical cyclone has formed off Queensland's north coast, some 235 kilometres from Cairns.

But Cyclone Niran doesn't appear to be posing a major threat so far.

The category 1 weather event, with winds near the centre of 75km/h, was on Tuesday moving slowly northeast and away from the coast.

Tropical Cyclone Niran is seen on a weather map.
Tropical Cyclone Niran is slowly moving northeast near the North Queensland coast. Source: Bureau of Meteorology

"The cyclone is expected to continue moving slowly to the northeast during today before becoming slow-moving or drifting back slowly to the west this evening into Wednesday," the Bureau of Meteorology said.

But Niran could intensify over the following two days.

A gale warning has been issued for coastal and island communities between Cape Flattery and Innisfail, with gusts up to 100km/h expected by Wednesday.

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