A tropical low off the Top End coast near Darwin has moved slightly west overnight, as authorities watch for the chance it could develop into a category two cyclone over the coming days.
A cyclone watch remains in place along parts of the Top End and Western Australian coastline.
The watch extends from Point Stuart in the Territory to Kalumbaru in WA, with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warning gale force winds and heavy rain could impact the coast between the Tiwi Islands and Wadeye from Friday night.
Forecasters say the low pressure system may develop into a cyclone late on Friday or during Saturday and could strengthen to a category two system.
Speaking on ABC Radio Darwin on Friday morning, BOM Northern Territory forecaster Rebecca Patrick said the future path of the storm was still uncertain.
She said the system was now sitting about 320 kilometres west of Darwin after edging further west overnight, and that it could possibly move south towards the Kimberley or east towards the Top End over the coming days.
A westerly track was beginning to look more likely, according to an update issued by the weather bureau later on Friday morning.
Ms Patrick said Territorians should prepare their cyclone kits and remove any loose items from backyards in anticipation of strong winds.
NT Emergency Services regional manager Mark Cunnington said remote communities were briefed yesterday, with local controllers making arrangements on the ground from the Tiwi Islands to Wadeye.
However, he said, that may change.
Ferry services between Darwin and the Tiwi Islands were cancelled on Thursday.
Mr Cunnington said people within the watch zone should stock their homes with extra food and water, along with a battery-operated radio, torches and any necessary medicines and baby supplies.
"Know where you're going to shelter, whether that's going to be at home with family or friends or, perhaps, one of the public shelters," he said.
Mr Cunnington warned against tying pets up in case they needed to escape while nobody was home.
