By Fraser Barton and Adrian Black in Brisbane

As flooded communities in Queensland prepare for the resumption of monsoonal rains, a tropical low off the West Australian coast could become a cyclone by the end of the weekend.

Major flood warnings are in place for the Herbert, Horton, and Burdekin river catchments, as well as for the Cape and Flinders rivers.

After easing overnight, heavy rainfalls are forecast in Townsville, Cardwell and Ingham, weather bureau senior metrologist Myriam Bradbury said.

“From later today going into Sunday, we may see six-hour rainfall totals in excess of 140mm, and 24 hour rainfall totals pushing towards 250mm,” she said.

“Severe thunderstorms are possible across much of northern Queensland, including parts of the coast and inland areas.”

Rivers are already swollen and the soil sodden.

“This means that moderate rainfall totals could cause swift river rises and could lead to dangerous flooding conditions,” Ms Bradbury said.

Meanwhile, cyclone advice has been issued for a tropical low off Western Australia’s coast.

“It is expected to move southwest along the Kimberley coast over next day or so, likely reaching tropical cyclone intensity, either later tomorrow night or going into Monday,” Ms Bradbury said.

The system could eventually push towards the Pilbara, she said.

“This risk is emerging, and we’ll keep a close eye on it as this system continues to develop.”

The week of heavy rains in Queensland has cut power to communities, forced hundreds to evacuate and the Australian Defence Force has built a temporary bridge to get crucial supplies to Ingham after the town’s arterial bridge washed away.

The state’s premier David Crisafulli commended the efforts of emergency services and the defence force.

“It’s going to be a long recovery, but north Queenslanders need to know that the state has got your back and we’ll continue to do all we can to reconnect you to normality,” he told reporters in Townsville.

The warning of more severe weather warning is a hammer blow to residents who have begun returning to their inundated homes.

Personal belongings, vehicles, farming equipment and homes have been damaged or destroyed by flash flooding.

The premier said he would request federal support to elevate bridges above likely flood levels along the Bruce Highway.

“We’ll be putting forward that betterment package … (so) residents don’t have to be at the mercy of a flimsy bridge,” Mr Crisafulli said.

More than 2000 homes have been reconnected to the grid, but around 4500 were still without power on Saturday afternoon.

Disaster payments have become available for affected residents, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing an $8 million community relief fund.

The damage bill for north Queensland remains to be seen but insurers have received over 4000 storm and flood related claims with more expected.

Residents in north Queensland are urged to monitor the latest bureau warnings and updates from emergency services.