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Between 200mm and 300mm of rain is expected to bucket down on north Queensland tonight, causing widespread flooding as Cyclone Yasi hits the coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of fast river level rises and localised flash flooding in rivers and streams between Townsville and Sarina, and Townsville and Cooktown, as well the Balonne, Connors, Isaac and Gulf rivers.

Areas to the south of Yasi are at most risk of predicted falls up to 300mm.

Depending on where the cyclone passes, this could also include the catchments of the Daintree, Mossman, Barron, Mulgrave/Russell, Johnstone, Tully/Murray, Herbert, Haughton, Ross, Bohle, Burdekin, Don, Proserpine and Pioneer rivers.

North Queensland dams should handle the water flows brought on by Cyclone Yasi, water authorities say.

Unlike Brisbane's Wivenhoe Dam, dams in the expected path of Cyclone Yasi are not used as flood mitigation and are built to store water at full capacity.

SunWater has seven dams between Mackay and Cairns.

SunWater Infrastructure Management general manager Barry Jeppesen said the dams were prepared for the water flow resulting from the cyclone.

"Releasing water from dam outlet valves will not reduce flooding associated with major events, as these dams are not designed or operated as flood mitigation storages" he said.

"SunWater's dams are designed to store water to full capacity then safely manage any further excess inflows by diverting them through purpose built spillway overflows."

The company will monitor the water flow into the dams over the next two days as well as monitoring the possible affect water releases may have on property downstream.