A storm developing off the Western Australian coast is expected to turn into a cyclone before making landfall, bringing powerful winds and potential flooding.
Residents in areas from Port Hedland to Broome have been told to prepare for cyclonic weather ahead of the intensifying storm.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts the tropical low over the Indian Ocean to the northwest of Derby will strengthen into a category-one cyclone on Tuesday afternoon.
It is expected to continue growing in intensity, potentially becoming a category-four cyclone by Thursday before shifting over land.
The WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services said there was still uncertainty over the path of the system, but it could cross the coast as a severe tropical cyclone near Eighty Mile Beach on Thursday or Friday.
At category-four strength, the storm is likely to lead to buildings being damaged and widespread power failures.
The BOM said gale-force winds and heavy rain could develop between the Dampier Peninsula and areas north of Broome on Wednesday before the system made landfall.
Squally thunderstorms and heavy rain were expected over the western Kimberley region on Tuesday and Wednesday, while abnormally high tides could hit the coast.
Showers and possible storms were forecast on Tuesday for many towns in an area stretching from the Kimberley to parts of the Northern Territory, including Darwin.
– AAP
