Authorities warn Queensland could be battered by category five cyclone as Nathan builds up speed

The Bureau of Meterology has refused to rule out the possibility Tropical Cyclone Nathan will become a category five storm when it makes landfall on Queensland's far north coast tomorrow morning.

Nathan is a category three but experts have warned the cyclone could intensify into a category four as it moves closer to the coast between Cape Melville and Cooktown early tomorrow.

But the Bureau's latest technical report said a "very favourable environment" could even see it intensify to a category five before making landfall.

Track maps have the cyclone, moving at around 11km/h, which should see it make landfall at Cape Flattery about 2am tomorrow.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has attended a briefing on cyclone preparations and discussed the various emergency plans already being implemented.

Fifty-one urban search and rescue specialists have been deployed across the state in anticipation of Nathan's impact.

"These technicians specialise in swift-water rescue and rapid damage assessment and will be placed where they are most needed over the coming days," the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) said in a statement.

The State Emergency Service has sent dozens of volunteers to the far north town of Cooktown, to help locals prepare.

Residents are being warned to stock up on food, water and medications and to draw out cash in preparation for power outages.

Sandbags are also being provided to guard against flooding.

They have also been advised to tape up windows, bring loose outdoor items indoors and pack emergency kits, including first aid equipment.

Cyclone Nathan threatened the far north coast before turning back out to sea last week but it was upgraded to a category three last night.