Tropical cyclone to form off Australian coast within HOURS as residents are warned to brace for 100km/h winds

A tropical cyclone is forecast to form off the coast of Western Australia with residents warned to prepare for ‘destructive’ winds.

The Bureau of Meteorology has been tracking a tropical low off the coast of the Pilbara and believe it will develop into a tropical cyclone by 8am (AWST).

While the cyclone isn’t expected to make landfall, the Bureau warned it will cause ‘destructive wind gusts’ reaching up to 100km/h and storm tides.

Its warning zone extends from Port Hedland to Ningaloo, including Karratha, Dampier, Onslow and Exmouth.

‘By Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, (the system will be) developing into a tropical cyclone, a category one strength, and then continuing to intensify as we move through Sunday night into Monday,’ Dean Narramore said.

‘Thankfully it will continue to move further away from the coast of Western Australia.’

Several flood watch warnings have also been issued. 

‘We can see widespread shower and thunderstorm activity through coastal areas,’ Mr Narramore said.

‘The very strong winds at this stage looking to stay offshore, thankfully. 

‘Still pretty windy conditions, severe thunderstorms, showers and thunderstorms for much of the Pilbara coast as we move through Sunday with widespread shower and thunderstorm activity.’

More to come.