'Too late to leave': Cyclone approaches coast

Residents in Australia's far north west are being told to to prepare to take shelter indoors as Tropical Cyclone Hayley intensifies as it approaches land.

The system is expected to reach peak strength as a category four storm while moving towards Western Australia's northern Dampier Peninsula, with wind gusts up to 230 km/h.

Tropical Cyclone Hayley is forecast to make landfall on Tuesday night, with residents in Beagle Bay, Cockatoo Island and Derby being told it's no longer safe to leave.

"There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a cyclone is approaching the area," Emergency WA said in an alert.

Residents living in caravans or older homes have been urged to move to their nearest evacuation centre or another safer location.

"If you live across the Kimberley area, now is the time to start thinking about preparing your tropical cyclone kit," meteorologist Sarah Scully said on Monday night.

The system is expected to become a category three storm once it hits landfall, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning it should start to weaken on Tuesday.

Very damaging winds of up to 170 km/h are possible in the northern Dampier Peninsula, while a heavy rainfall warning has been issued, with the potential for flash flooding across parts of the region.

Residents should prepare their emergency kits with enough canned food and water to last a week, along with a first-aid kit, medication, cash and a battery-operated radio to listen for warnings.

An evacuation centre was open at the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre for those in the warning area, the department advised.

Residents who chose to stay at home should secure loose outdoor items, move vehicles under cover, fasten cyclone shutters and ensure pets are safe.

Across the country, communities in Queensland are continuing to withstand heavy monsoon rain and flash flooding.

The bureau warned that parts of Gulf Country, Northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders, North West and Central West Forecast Districts, could see intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding.

The bureau warned six-hourly rainfall totals of up to 150mm was possible on Tuesday, although the rain forecast could drop below severe levels later in the day.

Farmers have been warned the extreme weather could pose a risk to cattle and other livestock.