Up to 300 people have been forced to evacuate their homes in northern Australia due to rising flood levels caused by Cyclone Carlos.

River Daly peaked early in the day, flooding homes in the small town of Nauiyu, south of Darwin.

Local reports state animals in the area were snatched by crocodiles swimming in flood waters.

Authorities predict flood levels will not recede for at least four days. Makeshift shelters have been set up to house the community.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that Cyclone Carlos has now intensified into a Category One cyclone.