People in Mackay on the northeast coast should not wade through the murky floodwaters and those using boats should not dangle legs or arms into the water, an official told the national AAP news agency.

"If they become close to a crocodile don't chase it or provoke it because they will lose," said Environmental Protection Agency spokesman Joe Adair.

Mackay was declared a disaster area on Friday after it was deluged with twice its usual monthly rainfall in one day and officials said up to 1,000 people may need to be evacuated.

It would not be surprising to see crocodiles moving around the floodwaters, Adair said.

"It's quite likely. I mean it's crocodile habitat up there, as is anywhere in central Queensland north of Gladstone.

"Crocodiles are along the coast in the estuary systems and waters all the way through and this time of year they're moving around.

"The floodwaters certainly have the potential to move them and disperse them."

They would move back to their normal habitats as the flood subsided, he said, urging concerned residents to report sightings to the agency.

The torrential rain flooded homes and businesses and forced the closure of the airport, all schools and several roads.

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