Communities across Far North Queensland are facing rising floodwater as a slow-moving monsoon system delivers heavy rain across the Gulf and into the state's interior.

The system, which stretches from the Northern Territory into the Queensland Gulf, has already swamped parts of the road network, raising the likelihood of remote towns being isolated for days to weeks.

A severe weather warning is in place across much of the state's north, from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the east coast.

Six-hourly totals of up to 260mm are possible, with multi-day totals forecast to reach about 700mm in some areas as the system slowly moves south.

Aboriginal communities in or near the warning and floodwatch areas include Doomadgee, Mornington Island (Gununa), Burketown, Normanton, Kowanyama, Aurukun, Pormpuraaw, Napranum, Mapoon, Weipa, Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jonathan How said the monsoon low and trough were expected to linger over the same areas.

He said rainfall, which is expected to persist for a prolonged period, would gradually shift further south and east over the coming days.

Queensland authorities are preparing for resupply operations if road access is cut, including air drops of supplies and livestock fodder if required.

Major flood warnings have been issued for the Flinders River, with moderate warnings for the Cloncurry River and surrounding areas.

Sandbagging stations have opened in the Mt Isa and Hinchinbrook areas, with residents urged to take precautions.

In the Northern Territory, warnings remain in place for the Barkly and Carpentaria catchments.

Separately, Tropical Cyclone Hayley has formed off Western Australia and is forecast to approach the Kimberley coast during the week.

Communities in the Kimberley can expect increased showers and thunderstorms, heavy rain, damaging winds and possible storm surge as the system nears the coast.