New cyclone threat looms for battered far north

Towns in the nation's far north are bracing for further damage as a cyclone develops off the coast. (Brian Cassey/AAP PHOTOS)

Flood-hit communities still in clean-up mode after being battered by Cyclone Narelle are on high alert as they keep a wary eye on a new threat developing offshore. 

A tropical low between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands is expected to strengthen into a cyclone by Sunday, with forecasters warning of a wide range of possible tracks that could include another threat to north Queensland.