A tropical cyclone is expected to form in northern Western Australia on Christmas Day with warnings issued for parts of the state and the Northern Territory.
A blue alert has been issued for people in or near the coastal and inland communities between the WA and Northern Territory border and the Mitchell Plateau.
That includes people in Wyndham, Kalumburu, Troughton Island and surrounding areas.
"Although there is no immediate danger, you need to start preparing for dangerous weather and keep up to date," the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) warns.
Residents have been warned to secure or remove loose material from around their homes and ensure their emergency kits are complete.
The Northern Territory Emergency Service has also advised people in affected areas to tie things down and seek shelter when conditions deteriorate.
The service warned that driving conditions may be hazardous and urged people to avoid flooded roads and watercourses.
At 9:30 am CST (8am WST) a Tropical Low was estimated to be205 kilometres east northeast of Kalumburu and235 kilometres north of Wyndham andmoving south at 7 kilometres per hour towards the coast.
Gales with gusts to 95 kilometres per hour may develop on the coast between the WA/NT border and Mitchell Plateau this afternoon if the low develops into atropical cyclone, the Bureau of Meteorology says.
Heavy rain is also expected over the far north Kimberley region during Wednesday and Thursday.
The next advice will be issued by 2pm CST (12.30pm WST) Wednesday 25 December.
This advice is available on telephone NT-1300 659 211 and WA-1300 659 210.
