Tropical low moves off north west coast

Warnings a tropical cyclone may develop over night as a tropical moved off the North West coast this afternoon.

A yellow alert has been issued for people in, near or between Caper Leveque and Pardoo Roadhouse, including Broome and Bidyadanga while a blue alert has been issues for people in, near and between Cockatoo Island and Cape Leveque and between Bidyadanga and De Grey.

Pardoo Roadhouse to While Creek, including Port Hedland have been put on a watch zone as well as inland parts of north east Pilbara, including Marble Bar and Telfer.

The alerts was announced by the Bureau of Meteorology today after it predicted very destructive win gusts up to 170km/h will be possible as it approaches the coast.

The Bureau has said tides will be higher than expected between Cape Leveque and Pardoo Roadhouse and heavy rainfall totals of up to 150mm are expected with heavier isolated falls of up to 300mm possible.

If the cyclone develops it will be named Joyce.

A flood warning has also been issued for the Ord River, East Kimberley Rivers, North Kimberley Rivers, West Kimberley Rivers, De Grey Rivers and Sandy Desert Catchments.

The Department of Emergency Services advises residents prepare for cyclonic water and organise an emergency kit including a first air kit, torch, portable radio, spare batteries, food and water.

To keep track of the tropical low’s movements visit www.bom.gov.au