Cyclone Hilda has formed just north of Broome and people are being advised it may threaten lives and homes.
The category one system formed on the coast just to the north of Broome on Wednesday night and the centre should pass over between 6pm and 7pm.
"There will be sustained winds near the centre of 75 kilometres per hour with wind gusts to 100 kilometres per hour," the Bureau of Meteorology said in a statement.
Hilda will then track in a south to southwesterly direction towards Bidyadanga overnight before moving over land during Thursday and gradually weakening.
A yellow alert has been issued between Beagle Bay to Wallal, including Broome, and people need to take action and get ready to shelter from the cyclone.
Heavy rain and squally thunderstorms are occurring over the west Kimberley and heavy rain should extend through the eastern Pilbara on Thursday.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is warning people to move vehicles undercover and secure boats, caravans, trailers, garden sheds, outdoor furniture, rainwater tanks and LPG bottles.
Residents are also urged to ensure pets and animals are safe, pack relocation and emergency kits and leave coastal areas.
A blue alert remains in place between Wallal and Pardoo for cyclonic weather and people between Cape Leveque and Beagle Bay and between Pardoo and De Grey are advised that the cyclone danger has passed.
