Cyclone Nathan drifts away from Qld coast

Rain is easing in parts of far north Queensland as Cyclone Nathan moves away from the coast.

The category two cyclone has triggered heavy rain in parts of Cape York peninsula and surrounds in recent days.

Communities between Lockhart River and Cape Melville have been warned to expect strong gales, however torrential rain is easing as the cyclone moves east.

Some communities have recorded more than 200mm since 9am on Thursday.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warned gales were likely between Lockhart River and Cape Melville and could be felt further south at Cooktown during this afternoon.

But there have been no reports of damage from high winds that have also lashed parts of the peninsula.

The cyclone was estimated to be 100 kilometres north northeast of Cape Melville and 230 kilometres north of Cooktown around 1pm AEST.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Brett Harrison says the cyclone is not expected to pose any further threat to Queensland.

"We're expecting it to continue on that u-turn that we've been forecasting for a number of days, to shift out towards the east later today and then make its way well away from the Queensland coast," he said.

A flood watch is current for areas north of Innisfail.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was relieved the cyclone was moving offshore and she would speak with the mayor of Cooktown later about the storm's impacts.