Tropical Cyclone Yasi is now a severe Category 3 reports WeatherWatch.co.nz.

The cyclone is expected to intensify as it moves west over the Coral Sea, becoming a Category 4 before making landfall late on Wednesday or early on Thursday.

Damaging winds are expected to develop about coastal and island communities between Cooktown and Yeppoon Wednesday morning.

Australian authorities warn that Yasi may cause an even greater threat to Queensland than the floods last month.

Thousands have been warned to evacuate.

WeatherWatch.co.nz will have extensive coverage of this major developing story across the next 48 hours.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz with Weatherzone.com.au