Forecasters Warn of Possible Cyclone in Australia

A low pressure system off northeastern Australia holds up to a 50 per cent chance of intensifying to cyclone strength over the next two days and slamming into a region devastated two weeks ago by Cyclone Marcia, according to meteorologists.

"This low is expected to deepen during the next few days and has a moderate potential to develop into a tropical cyclone on Tuesday or Wednesday," Australia's Bureau of Meteorology said today.

'Moderate' is the second-highest classification for a cyclone threat, meaning the chances range from 20 to 50 per cent.

So far no cyclone advice has been issued by the bureau in the projected track of the low heading towards Queensland state, where Marcia flooded homes and businesses and knocked out power lines on February, 20.

Insurance Australia Group is facing 3,500 claims totaling up to A$90 million ($70 million) from damage caused by Marcia.

Queensland's A$25 billion mining and agricultural sectors suffered little damage as the cyclone lost much of its power shortly after making landfall.