Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has declared a disaster zone across the state's central and northern coast ahead of the anticipated arrival of tropical cyclone Ului.
The cyclone is predicted to cross the coast between Ayr and Mackay as a category two or three system early on Sunday, bringing destructive wind gusts of up to 170km/h.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that up to 300mm of rain is possible in areas located in the path of the cyclone.
Ms Bligh announced disaster declarations for the Townsville, Burdekin, Whitsunday, Charters Towers, Mackay, Isaac, Rockhampton and Central Highlands local government areas.
"This declaration is in anticipation that some properties may need to be evacuated in the coming hours as Tropical Cyclone Ului approaches and then crosses the North Queensland coast," Ms Bligh said in a statement on Saturday.
"The declaration gives Emergency Services agencies the power of mandatory evacuations if required."
Residents in the likely path of the cyclone were on Saturday making final preparations for Ului's arrival.
Store owners in Airlie Beach and Bowen used masking tape to reinforce shopfront windows while locals flocked to supermarkets to buy last-minute supplies.
In Townsville staff at the Lennon Bros Circus were preparing to pull down their big top tent after Saturday night's show to avoid damage.
"It's a big concern, we don't want to lose our big top so we are cancelling our shows tomorrow and pulling down the big top," owner Jay Lennon said.
Mr Lennon said staff would position the trucks and trailers to shield the circus animals from the wind gusts.
"We'll take every precaution with the animals and our staff as well."
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