A tropical cyclone is forecast to form off the coast of Western Australia and residents have been warned to prepare for “destructive” winds.
The Bureau of Meteorology has been tracking a tropical low off the Pilbara coast and believes it will become a tropical cyclone at 8am (AWST).
While the cyclone is not expected to make landfall, the Bureau warned it will cause “destructive wind gusts” reaching up to 100 km/h and storm surge.
Its warning zone extends from Port Hedland to Ningaloo, including Karratha, Dampier, Onslow and Exmouth.
‘From Sunday afternoon to Sunday night, (the system) will be developing in a tropical cyclone, category one, and then continues to intensify as we move from Sunday night to Monday,” Dean Narramore said.
“Fortunately, it will continue to move away from the coast of Western Australia.”
Several flood watch warnings have also been issued.
“We may see widespread shower and thunderstorm activity in coastal areas,” Mr Narramore said.
‘Fortunately, the very strong winds at this stage will remain offshore.
‘There are still quite windy conditions, severe thunderstorms, showers and thunderstorms across much of the Pilbara coast as we move forward. Sunday with widespread rain and thunderstorm activity.
More to come.