Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has slammed the actions of an individual accused of cutting a telecommunications cable just hours before a cyclone is expected to hit the state's far-north.
It's believed the person cut the cable in Deeragun, a suburb on Townsville's outer west, to steal the copper inside.
Crisafulli said the person's actions meant Telstra, Optus and NBN customers across Townsville have lost access to services ahead of a storm.
'My message to that low-life is you have put at risk the lives of north Queenslanders in their hour of need and you can't get a lower act than that,' he said.
'We intend to throw the book at this individual when they are caught.
'It's a pretty low act at anytime, but during a disaster, that's about as low as you can get. Telecommunications are life and death.'
It's believed Telstra and Optus customers and NBN users could be impacted.
It comes as residents in Townsville have been ordered to take shelter immediately.
An emergency alert was issued for the Townsville Local Government Area, which includes from Mutarnee to Cungulla, including Magnetic Island, earlier this afternoon.
The Townsville Local Disaster Management Group warned the tropical low is forecast to reach tropical cyclone intensity later this evening, before crossing the coast near Townsville, most likely early on Sunday.
Conditions will be dangerous as it gets closer to land, with gale-strength winds expected from 4pm (AEST) today.
A 'Watch and Act' emergency alert has also been issued for the Burdekin region, with destructive winds forecast to hit on Saturday evening.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Tropical Low 12U is forecast to reach tropical cyclone intensity this afternoon as a category two system.
With it would come destructive wind gusts up to 130 km/h from late tonight and early Sunday morning, more likely offshore or about exposed coastal locations from south of Townsville to Proserpine.
Gales with wind gusts up to 100 km/h are expected to develop along coastal areas between Innisfail and Airlie Beach, on Saturday afternoon or evening.
Gales may extend to Proserpine and adjacent inland areas.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the cyclone is forecast to reach tropical cyclone intensity this afternoon as a category two system.
Heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, is forecast to develop from Innisfail to Proserpine today.
Despite the concern, Crisafulli said swift-water rescue craft, police, SES officers and paramedics were in position and would work with residents on the ground.
'The locals know their patch and the challenges,' he said.
'In many ways, it has replicated what we saw a little less than 12 months ago when people from the north and central and western parts helped colleagues in the southeast.
'I want Queenslanders to know we are better prepared than ever.'
The federal and Queensland governments have now activated funding support for primary producers in flooded areas.
Under the arrangements, farmers can claim eligible veterinary fees associated with the health and welfare of production livestock, as well as costs for carcass disposal on their properties.
Freight subsidies up to $5,000 per property will be made available to transport essential materials such as fodder, building and fencing supplies, machinery, and livestock for restocking.
Crisafulli said a preliminary survey of property owners indicated some 40,000 stock had already been lost, a number he expects to increase significantly.
People between Innisfail and Proserpine, including Innisfail, Townsville, Palm Island, Bowen and Airlie Beach, are advised to take precaution and monitor the next update at 5pm.
If your life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
For cyclone help, call the SES on 132 500 or download the SES Assistance QLD app.