Tropical Cyclone Kirrily intensifies on approach to Queensland coast

Students from more than 100 schools have been kept home on January 25 and emergency service staff and volunteers deployed in preparation for the state's second cyclone in six weeks.

Kirrily has intensified into a category 2 system and is expected to make landfall late on January 25, or in the early hours of January 26, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

The cyclone is likely to cross the coast in the Townsville area, Bureau senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said.

Wind gusts above 100kmh have already been recorded at the Whitsunday Islands, while gusts of 140kmh or more may develop on the coast between Ayr and Bowen later on January 25.

"If you live near where this crosses you're likely to experience damaging to destructive winds that can bring down trees and powerlines, and cause some property damage," Mr Narramore said.

"We're also likely to see widespread heavy rain with this system... this could lead to widespread flash and riverine flooding, particularly as it travels inland."

Widespread rainfall totals of 100 to 200mm are expected across northern Queensland, extending inland to the Northern Territory border.

Isolated totals of 300mm or more are also possible.

The forecast heavy rain has triggered a broad flood watch covering most rivers across central and northern parts of Queensland.

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A cyclone warning has been issued by the Bureau from Innisfail to Sarina, including Townsville, Mackay, Bowen, the Whitsunday Islands, and extending inland to Charters Towers.

It's just six weeks since ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper hit Far North Queensland, drenching communities and causing devastating flooding.

Recovery efforts are still under way with residents in remote communities living in caravans while their homes are rebuilt.