Cyclone warning for Pilbara

Update, 3.30pm: Pilbara and Kimberley residents are being warned to brace for the possibility of a severe tropical cyclone early next week.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has issued a blue alert for people between Broome and Whim Creek, including Wallal, Pardoo and Port Hedland, as a tropical low develops off the coast.

At 2pm the low was estimated to be 475km west north-west of Broome and 525km north of Port Hedland and moving west south-west at 6km/h.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned the system is likely to develop into a tropical cyclone tomorrow and may cause gales from Monday.

The system is expected to intensify on Monday as it approaches the coast.