Tropical cyclone could hammer Kimberley and Pilbara

A tropical cyclone is forming off Western Australia and could severely impact coastal areas of the east Pilbara or west Kimberley.

A tropical low is expected to turn into a cyclone later on Sunday bringing possible gales to the north Kimberley coast before moving south west, the Bureau of Meteorology's cyclone warning centre advised on Saturday.

"There is a significant risk that this system will become a severe tropical cyclone and impact the central/east Pilbara or west Kimberley coast from Wednesday," it said.

WA's Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said people between Kalumburu and Kuri Bay in the Kimberley should prepare their homes and families for a possible cyclone.

Wind gusts up to 90 kilometres per hour and heavy rainfall are expected on Sunday.

"Communities along the North Kimberley and West Kimberley Coast should start to prepare and monitor conditions and warnings," the DFES advice said.