Intense record-breaking rain causing flooding and threatening livestock is forecast across northern and western Queensland from today.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Shane Kennedy said parts of the north had already received up to 220mm since Saturday.

He said intense rainfall caused by two weather systems was predicted, with daily totals of up to 300mm possible.

"That's particularly in the north-west and around the north-east coast between Port Douglas down to Townsville," he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the following areas are on flood watch. (Supplied: BOM)

Mr Kennedy said the weather systems, including severe thunderstorms, could bring falls of 500mm to a metre of rain over several days.

"We will likely see some rainfall records being broken over the next few days."

He said the forecast for north-western regions was comparable to early 2019, which led to widespread and significant loss of livestock.

The combination of persistent rain, increased wind, and maximum temperatures six to 13 degrees below average would produce a strong wind-chill factor.

The Cloncurry River and nearby Chinaman Creek Dam. (Supplied: Outback Auctions and Real Estate )

Priority to move cattle

Grazier Ashley Gallagher from Sawtell Station, 25 kilometres east of Normanton, is hoping for a break in the rain to move up to 400 head of cattle to higher ground.

"We want to move them but we can't fly the helicopter in the rain so we've just got to wait,"

he said.

Mr Gallagher has already tipped more than 400mm out of his gauge since December 21 and said his dams and creeks were beyond full.

"It's now getting to be too much, the rivers are all starting to go over the bridges and the water's backed up everywhere," Mr Gallagher said.

"It's one of those things, be careful what you wish for. We were all hanging out for good rain and now we're getting too much and it doesn't look like letting up."

Normanton recorded more than 121mm in 24 hours and is already isolated by the flooded Flinders River.

Water laps at the edge of the Norman River Bridge.  (Supplied: Ashleigh Gallagher)

Mr Gallagher said the township was prepared for isolation.

"We're all part of the SSE and fire brigade, so it's one of those things, you're always prepared. Once the roads go under, we'll start boating stuff into town," he said.

Local disaster groups on alert

Townsville, Cassowary Coast and Flinders local disaster management groups have moved to "alert" level, with people in flood zones encouraged to fill sandbags and have an evacuation plan.

Townsville mayor Nick Dametto said local authorities were preparing for severe weather, with falls of up to 200mm predicted.

"We are not 100 per cent sure of the severity right now," Cr Dametto said.

"That's why we're working with the local disaster management group and the SES and the BOM to make sure we're prepared."

Damaging wind gusts

Mr Kennedy said severe wind gusts in the north-west could be damaging and exceed 90 kilometres an hour.

"We may also see one or two destructive wind gusts, which are winds of 125 kilometres an hour or more.

"That could not only be focused on the coast in those monsoonal squalls, but also inland in the northern interior and the north-west, as those winds really get enhanced."

The monsoon low and strong onshore winds are expected to start weakening on Wednesday and Thursday.

It is expected that the worst of the rainfall should occur to the north of Winton and Longreach, and mainly focus to the west of Hughenden and Richmond.

Flash-flooding risk

Christopher Stream, the deputy commissioner of state disaster coordinator with the Queensland Police Service, said there was a risk of dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding.

"Given that some of those catchments are already becoming saturated, we've had rain there for the last few days," he said.

Travellers unfamiliar with local conditions were warned about rapid creek and river rises.

"It's really important for people who are visiting the area to stay alert, really listen to the warnings, but also drive to the conditions, because those conditions could change rapidly. You might not get a warning."