People along Western Australia's north-west coast have been warned to prepare for a cyclone that could bring heavy rain and damaging winds.
A tropical low north of Kuri Bay, in the Kimberley region, could develop into a tropical cyclone on Thursday and intensify as it moves south-west over water later this week, the Bureau of Meteorology warns.
"The tropical low is forecast to move generally parallel to the coast, with communities along the Kimberley and possibly the Pilbara coast at risk of experiencing damaging winds, squally thunderstorms and heavy rain which could cause damage to homes," severe weather services manager Brad Santos said on Wednesday.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services acting chief superintendent Paul Carr said people must be prepared before the weather hits and reconsider their travel plans.
"Ahead of the Australia Day long weekend we urge all travellers and people returning home to plan their journey ahead of time to avoid the severe weather, and under no circumstances drive through floodwaters," he said.
