Cyclone on the cards

A SEVERE tropical cyclone is forecast to form off the western coast of Cape York today, bringing gale force winds and possible heavy downpours.

The tropical low is moving southwest towards the Gulf of Carpentaria, where it is expected to become a category three cyclone by this afternoon or tomorrow, a Bureau of Meteorology forecaster said.

Winds gusting up to 90km/ h are forecast to hit Cape York and the gulf coast and flood watches are expected.