Tropical cyclone expected to form off Queensland coast by Wednesday

Three potential tropical cyclones are lurking off the Queensland coast, with one expected to develop into a category three storm.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a strong wind warning for the coast along the Mackay, Townsville, and Capricornia regions.

A low pressure system tracking from the Solomon Islands is expected to move towards Queensland and could become a tropical cyclone as early as Wednesday.

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The Bureau expects the system will remain offshore even if it does develop into a cyclone.

BoM meteorologist Jonathan How said the system was expected to approach Townsville and Mackay before pulling a "90-degree turn" and heading southward off the coast on Friday and Saturday.

"At this stage we're expecting it to be called 'Freddie'," he said.

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How said the potential cyclone was expected to remain far enough offshore that no rain is expected.

However, gale force winds are likely to sweep along the coast.

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