Tropical Cyclone Riley intensifies off WA

Tropical Cyclone Riley continues to track parallel to the coast of northern WA but is still not expected to pose a significant threat to Pilbara communities.

Tropical Cyclone Riley has intensified to a category two and is continuing to track parallel to the Pilbara coast in northern Western Australia.

The cyclone, which formed at 6am on Thursday, is about 390km north of Port Hedland, moving south-west at 7km/h, with estimated wind speeds of 95 km/h around its centre and gusts of up to 130km/h.

Riley may become a category three by Saturday morning but will only pose a risk to Pilbara communities if it takes a more southerly track, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

A blue alert remains in place for people between Whim Creek and Onslow.

A Pilbara Ports Authority spokeswoman said the Port of Dampier had cleared vessels from anchorages and terminals.

Riley is WA's first tropical cyclone of the season.