Cyclone Jasper is forecast to re-intensify on Tuesday as it barrels towards the Queensland coast, with hundreds of thousands of people bracing for potential disaster when it crosses on Wednesday.

On Tuesday morning, the season’s first tropical cyclone was 305 kilometres east of Cairns and had weakened to a category one.

The weather bureau warned Jasper would strengthen to category two on Tuesday, and could intensify even further and make landfall as a “severe” category three.

“It is forecast to cross the coast as a category two system on Wednesday, most likely between Cooktown and Innisfail,” a Bureau of Meteorology warning on Tuesday morning said.

“If the system is slower and crosses overnight Wednesday or Thursday morning, a very slim chance remains of a severe category three crossing.”

Preparations are underway for potentially disastrous consequences amid fears of complacency in the popular tourist town of Cairns, which has not faced a cyclone in more than 60 years.

“That’s our fear, our complacency. Everyone says we’re protected by the mountains, we’re protected by something else but we haven’t had a direct hit for 67 years, so we’re overdue,” Mayor Terry James said.

Gale-force winds of up to 120km/h are expected to slam several communities from Tuesday, including Cairns, Innisfail, Palm Island and Wujal Wujal.

Evacuation centres have been set up across the region, with Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles warning of a significant risk of flash flooding when Jasper makes landfall.

“It will then progress across the Cape, affecting some of the most vulnerable Queensland communities,” he said.

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The weather bureau’s bulletin on Tuesday morning warned of flash flooding between Cape Flattery and Ingham.

“Six-hourly totals between 100 to 150 millimetres are likely, with isolated falls of 250 millimetres possible along the coast and adjacent ranges.

“24-hourly rainfall totals between 150 to 250 millimetres are likely, with isolated falls up to 350 millimetres possible.”

A storm tide is expected between Cooktown and Townsville on the high tides Tuesday and 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,” BOM said.

Services in the region, including the Daintree River ferry, will be placed on hold, with the Cairns Harbour Master ordering the grounding of all vessels.

“The potential for very strong winds, rising water levels and possible debris moving through the Daintree River would mean operating the ferry would not be safe,” Douglas Shire Council said.

-with AAP